Chongqing, China – In a stunning upset at the WTT Champions Chongqing final, 18-year-old Japanese table tennis prodigy Haruki Mima avenged a heartbreaking defeat, defeating world number one Wang Chuqin in a thrilling seven-game match. The victory marks Mima’s third career entry into the semi-finals of a major championship and solidifies his position as a rising star in the sport.
The match was a highly anticipated rematch of their December 2023 encounter at the WTT Finals in Hong Kong, where Wang Chuqin dramatically came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Mima. That loss was a painful experience for the young Japanese player, who visibly struggled with the setback. Tonight, however, Mima demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure, ultimately securing a 4-2 victory (11-8, 9-11, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9) over the defending champion.
A Bitter Memory Reversed
The previous meeting between Mima and Wang Chuqin in Hong Kong had been a devastating blow for the Japanese player. Leading 3-1, Mima appeared poised for a significant win, only to watch Wang Chuqin mount an incredible comeback. The emotional toll was evident as Mima was overcome with disappointment on the court. Reports from the time detailed his visible distress following the match.
This time, however, Mima refused to let history repeat itself. After taking an early lead, he faced intense pressure from Wang Chuqin, who fought back tenaciously. The match was characterized by long rallies and dramatic shifts in momentum. Despite Wang Chuqin’s efforts, Mima maintained his focus and ultimately prevailed.
Match Details: A Battle of Wills
Wang Chuqin started strongly, winning the first game 11-8. However, Mima responded with a series of impressive performances, taking the next three games 9-11, 9-11, and 8-11 respectively. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Mima’s favor, but Wang Chuqin refused to concede defeat.
In the fifth game, Wang Chuqin found himself trailing 1-7, mirroring a similar situation from their previous encounter. He mounted a remarkable comeback, winning 10 of the next 11 points to take the game 11-8 and level the match. This surge of momentum threatened to derail Mima’s efforts, but the young Japanese player remained undeterred.
The sixth and final game was a tense affair, with both players trading points. Wang Chuqin initially took a 4-1 lead, but Mima fought back, leveling the score at 5-5. The game continued to be closely contested, reaching 9-9 before Mima secured the final two points, winning 11-9 and sealing his victory. Crucially, Wang Chuqin committed unforced errors on crucial serves during the final moments, allowing Mima to capitalize.
Mima’s Journey and Rising Status
Currently ranked eighth in the world, Haruki Mima has quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents in table tennis. This victory over Wang Chuqin is arguably the biggest of his young career, demonstrating his ability to compete with and defeat the very best in the world. According to reports, this is Mima’s third time reaching the semi-finals of a championship tournament.
Prior to this match, Mima and Wang Chuqin had faced each other five times internationally, with Wang Chuqin holding a 4-1 advantage. However, their most recent encounters had been incredibly close, with Mima winning a match at the Asian Team Championships 3-2 and Wang Chuqin winning the WTT Finals 4-3. This close rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to their future matchups.
Looking Ahead: Semi-Finals and Beyond
Haruki Mima will now face the winner of the quarter-final match between Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and France’s Félix Lebrun in the semi-finals. The semi-final promises to be another challenging test for the young Japanese player, but his recent victory over Wang Chuqin has undoubtedly boosted his confidence.
The tournament has also seen success for other players. Nineteen-year-old Wen Ruibo of the host nation, China, has also advanced to the semi-finals, demonstrating the growing depth of talent in the sport. However, Wang Chuqin’s unexpected defeat marks a significant upset and a potential turning point in the competition.
This victory is not just a personal triumph for Haruki Mima, but also a significant moment for Japanese table tennis. It signals the emergence of a new generation of players capable of challenging the dominance of established stars like Wang Chuqin. The world will be watching closely to see how Mima continues his journey and whether he can ultimately claim the championship title.
The WTT Champions Chongqing final continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected results, captivating table tennis fans around the globe. Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament progresses.
Next: The semi-final matches will be held on Sunday, March 15th, 2026, with the finals scheduled for Monday, March 16th, 2026. For the latest results and schedules, visit the official WTT website: https://wttglobal.com/
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