Doha, Qatar – The echoes of a thunderous performance still resonate through the Lusail Sports Arena. Wang Chuqin has finally etched his name into the annals of table tennis history, securing the coveted St. Bride Vase at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025. His opponent, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, battled valiantly, but ultimately succumbed to Wang’s relentless precision in a thrilling 12-10, 11-3, 4-11, 11-2, 11-7 showdown. This victory is more than just a title; it’s a testament to resilience, a masterclass in mental fortitude, and the sweet taste of redemption.
The Weight of Redemption
For Wang, this triumph is a deeply personal one. The sting of being a silver medallist in Durban two years prior, a setback that lingered in his mind, fueled his every stroke in Doha. The memory of that 2023 final defeat transformed into an unshakeable resolve to claim the gold. Adding another layer to the narrative, Wang entered Sunday’s final with an extra point to prove, having fallen to Calderano just last month at the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup. This wasn’t just about a championship; it was about settling old scores and proving his undisputed prowess.
Calderano’s Valiant Stand
Hugo Calderano, the “Thrill from Brazil,” was a formidable opponent, having dispatched Chinese powerhouse Liang Jingkun in a grueling semifinal. His dangerous qualities were evident from the very start of the final. Calderano exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 7-10 lead in the opening game, hinting at an upset. But Wang, a player known for his unwavering composure under pressure, refused to yield. He orchestrated a stunning turnaround, clinching five consecutive points to snatch the critical first game – a momentum shift that proved pivotal.
A Champion’s Unyielding Spirit
That early setback seemed to deflate Calderano, and Wang seized the opportunity, extending his lead to a two-game advantage. While the No. 3 seed showed flashes of brilliance in the third, attempting to spark a comeback, Wang’s relentless attacking game quickly extinguished those hopes. He delivered another ruthless performance in game four, establishing a commanding 3-1 lead that left Calderano with a mountain to climb.
Despite finding himself on the backfoot, Calderano’s skill shone through in moments, particularly his unbelievable defense at 4-3 in the fifth game. Yet, there was simply no stopping Wang in this form. Facing championship points at 10-6, Calderano valiantly saved one, but the dramatic comeback he yearned for wasn’t to be. Wang cemented his name among the sport’s all-time elite, a champion forged in the crucible of past defeats.
Legacy and Inspiration
The scenes of celebration were electric. An ecstatic Wang Chuqin, pointing to the back of his shirt with a beaming smile, embraced his coach, Wang Hao, a legend in his own right who won the title back in 2009. The stars have indeed aligned for Wang; he can finally call himself the Men’s Singles World champion, a title he has chased for his entire life.
On the other side of the coin, Hugo Calderano, despite the bitter taste of silver, leaves Doha with an extraordinary amount of pride. As the first-ever player from the Americas to reach a World Championships Men’s Singles final, he continues to inspire millions across the globe. His journey is far from over, and he will undoubtedly be back for more, a testament to his enduring spirit and talent.
The Weight of the Crown
Reflecting on his journey, Wang Chuqin spoke with profound insight about the challenges of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. “It feels unbelievable. I made it to the final back in Durban, but I was much more naive then. I didn’t yet understand just how tough the World Championships could be,” Wang shared. “At that time, I hadn’t experienced many setbacks or challenges before reaching the final. But after the Olympics, after the tough losses I had and seeing how outstanding my opponents were, I’ve come to approach every match with a great sense of caution, almost fearing any mistake, because every match can be very challenging.”
His words painted a vivid picture of the immense pressure and responsibility that comes with competing at the highest level. “It is through this journey that I’ve come to truly appreciate how difficult things must have been for Ma Long and Fan Zhendong back then. As I grow older, I’ve realised this isn’t a weight just anyone can carry… It’s a real test of your tenacity and endurance. You need to figure out how to get through each day in a steady state, and that’s tough. But in the end, I achieved a good result, so I’m happy.”
Wang Chuqin’s victory in Doha isn’t just about a trophy; it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, the courage to overcome adversity, and the profound wisdom gained on the path to becoming a true world champion.
