The 2024 WTT Finals in Fukuoka delivered an incredible conclusion to the table tennis season, showcasing outstanding performances and historic achievements. From dominating singles victories to electrifying doubles battles, the tournament was filled with thrilling moments.
Wang Chuqin’s Third Consecutive Triumph
Wang Chuqin secured his third straight WTT Finals singles title by defeating Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto in a commanding 4-0 victory (11-2, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5). This impressive win follows his triumphs in Doha (2023) and Xinxiang (2022), cementing his position as the WTT Series king and securing the year-end World No.1 ranking.
Wang’s performance in the final at Kitakyushu General Gymnasium demonstrated his dominance, starting with a staggering 10-0 lead in the opening game. Despite Harimoto’s tactical adjustments, Wang’s powerful play and strategic precision kept his opponent on the defensive throughout the match. Reflecting on his victory, Wang said:
“Harimoto and I have known each other for a long time… I just made the fullest of preparation coming into this match.”
The win concluded a year of challenges and successes for Wang, who reflected:
“2024 has been anything but normal for me. There’s the good and the bad, but I’m just glad that at the end of it, I’m able to show the three-hand sign to the crowd.”
As he looks ahead, Wang expressed hope for continued success in 2025:
“When I first made it to number one, I was indeed very happy… Hopefully 2025 will be a great one too!”
Wang Manyu Battles to Victory
Wang Manyu triumphed in an epic seven-game battle against Chen Xingtong to claim her first WTT Series season-ending title (13-11, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5). This closely contested final marked a decade-long rivalry between the two players, delivering a match filled with dramatic momentum shifts.
Chen’s powerful backhand and strategic play tested Wang’s resilience, but Wang countered with aggressive high-tempo attacks. Reflecting on her breakthrough win, Wang shared:
“I’m really excited to have won my first WTT Finals singles title… I’m just happy to have come through.”
In the decisive seventh game, Wang’s flawless performance turned the tide, securing seven consecutive points to clinch the victory. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome:
“I haven’t been setting any goals for myself lately… I want to focus more on the process than the outcome.”
The win capped a remarkable year for Wang, who also secured titles at the Singapore Smash and WTT Champions Frankfurt. Grateful for her supporters, she said:
“Throughout the year, my fans have been showing me great support and encouragement… their cheers really gave me the extra energy.”
Lebrun Brothers Dominate Men’s Doubles
French siblings Alexis and Félix Lebrun claimed their first WTT Finals doubles title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Japan’s Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka (12-14, 14-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4). This win propels them to the top of the ITTF World Rankings.
The high-stakes match showcased spectacular rallies and brilliant teamwork. Alexis Lebrun expressed his joy:
“I mean, of course, we dream about this… to win this title is just amazing.”
Sato and Hashimoto Shine in Women’s Doubles
In the Women’s Doubles final, Hitomi Sato and Honoka Hashimoto delighted the home crowd with a stunning 3-0 win over compatriots Satsuki Odo and Sakura Yoko (11-5, 12-10, 11-8). Known for their exceptional defensive play, the pair amazed fans with their ability to retrieve seemingly impossible shots.
Reflecting on their victory, Honoka Hashimoto said:
“To be the champion, I knew that it wasn’t zero percent… I think we did really well.”
Hitomi Sato added:
“It was only determined last minute that we could compete in this event… I’m just really happy!”
Conclusion
The 2024 WTT Finals in Fukuoka celebrated table tennis excellence, with unforgettable performances from Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu, the Lebrun brothers, and Sato and Hashimoto. As the season closes, the champions now look ahead to what promises to be an exciting 2025.
