Several top Chinese women’s table tennis players suffered unexpected early exits at the World Table Tennis United States Smash event in Los Angeles, marking a challenging start for the nation’s contingent.
Second seed Wang Manyu was eliminated in the second knockout round, falling 12-10, 11-4, 15-13 to Japanese wild card entrant Hitomi Sato. This defeat followed the earlier upset of sixth seed Chen Yi, who squandered a two-game lead to lose against Germany’s veteran Han Ying, who is 22 years her senior. With these results, two of China’s top five seeds in the women’s singles draw have already been knocked out of the competition.
Other highly seeded Chinese players such as top seed Sun Yingsha, Qin Yuxuan, Shi Xunyao, fifth seed Chen Xintong, and eighth seed Wang Yidi were scheduled to compete in the round of 32. Kuai Man was the first Chinese woman to advance to the round of 16 after a 3-1 victory over Canada’s Mo Zhang.
Wang Manyu’s loss to Sato was notable, given Wang’s perfect 6-0 record against the Japanese player dating back to 2014. Various factors were cited by fans attempting to explain the upset. Some suggested Wang was at a disadvantage because she had not played on the main table before her match, limiting her familiarity with the conditions. Others criticized the scheduling, noting Wang and doubles partner Kuai Man had contested a round-of-16 doubles match earlier the same day, nearly five hours before Wang’s singles match against Sato.
These opinions stirred debate on social media, with some defending Wang while others argued the loss highlighted challenges Chinese players face when competing against defensive-style opponents. Commentators observed that defensive players typically exhibit exceptional stamina, often outlasting their more aggressive rivals. Suggestions were made that the Chinese team needs to improve strategies against such styles. In contrast, some pointed out that Sun Yingsha remains effective against defensive opponents and implied Wang’s preparation or approach might have been lacking.
Other women’s singles competitors progressing to the round of 16 included Japanese players Miwa Harimoto and Hina Hayata, along with South Korea’s Shin Yu-bin.
In the men’s singles draw, seeded favorites largely advanced as expected. Top seed Wang Chuqin secured a straightforward 3-0 victory over India’s Manav Thakkar. French siblings Felix and Alexis Lebrun also advanced; Felix defeated Hong Kong’s Wong Chun-ting 3-1, while Alexis narrowly overcame compatriot Simon Gauzy 3-2.
Separately, Chinese star Fan Zhendong is set to begin his next Bundesliga season with his new club Borussia Dortmund. The German table tennis league released its 2026-27 player list, placing Fan as the top-seeded player. Former World Cup champion Hugo Calderano, who recently joined Fan’s former team 1. FC Saarbrucken, ranks second, with Japan’s Shunsuke Togami third. The Bundesliga campaign is slated to start in mid-August, with Fan expected to make his home debut in the second matchweek.