Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu crowned again at WTT Champions Macao

Gold medalist Wang Manyu (L) of China and silver medalist Chen Meng of China take selfies with the trophies during the awarding ceremony after their women's singles final match at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, south China, April 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Wang Chuqin and Wang Manyu were crowned again in the men's and women's singles respectively at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Macao here on Sunday.

In the men's singles final, 22-year-old Wang Chuqin defended his title after closing out a dominant 4-0 win over double Olympic gold medalist Ma Long 12-10, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7.

Both players flew out of the starting blocks at top speed, but Ma failed to capitalize on several opportunities, leaving second seed Wang enough room to race 2-0 in front.

Frustrated by the opening stages of the match, Ma struggled to get back on track while Wang remained focused and approached each point with excellent balance to inch closer to victory.

"I was very happy to win against Ma Long, but I still had some problems during the match. I had a slow start and I need to analyze this problem later. This championship gives me a lot of confidence," Wang said after the match.

In the women's singles final, second seed Wang Manyu lifted the second WTT Champions trophy after fighting from behind to defeat Olympic champion Chen Meng 4-2 (11-13, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8).

Chen enjoyed the brighter start to the final, but Wang slowly began to work her way up into the contest, digging deep to move ahead and putting her foot firmly on the accelerator to close out the match in style.

"I handled the key shots a little better today. The championship gives me confidence, which will help me keep a good form in the following matches," Wang said. ■

Gold medalist Wang Chuqin (R) of China and silver medalist Ma Long of China pose with their trophies during the awarding ceremony after their men's singles final match at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, south China, April 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gold medalist Wang Manyu (R) of China and silver medalist Chen Meng of China pose with the trophies during the awarding ceremony after their women's singles final match at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, south China, April 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gold medalist Wang Manyu of China poses with the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the women's singles final match against her teammate Chen Meng at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, south China, April 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gold medalist Wang Chuqin of China poses with the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the men's singles final match against his teammate Ma Long at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, south China, April 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)