Macao (Sports News):
The ITTF Men's & Women's World Cup Macao 2026 reached its thrilling conclusion on Sunday at the Galaxy Arena, crowning two champions and delivering a final night worthy of the ITTF's centenary year.
Sun Yingsha has done what no woman in the history of the sport has ever done before. The world number one defeated Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-8, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in the Women's Singles final to claim an unprecedented third consecutive ITTF Women's World Cup title, joining Fan Zhendong as the only players in ITTF World Cup history to achieve three consecutive singles titles.
This was an intense, absorbing final between two of the finest players in the Women's game, with Wang Manyu pushing Sun Yingsha hard in every game and refusing to make anything straightforward. In the end, it was Sun Yingsha's experience, composure and sheer class that proved the difference. The road to a third title was far from easy, highlighted by a seven-game quarterfinal against Hana Goda, the longest match of the entire tournament, in which Sun Yingsha was forced to save two match points in the deciding game before prevailing.
Wang Manyu takes the silver medal, while Shin Yubin and Sabine Winter share the bronze. Shin Yubin made history as the first woman from Korea Republic ever to win a medal at the ITTF Women's World Cup, while Sabine Winter became the first European woman to medal at the ITTF Women's Singles World Cup since Petrissa Solja in 2015. Hana Goda, who became the first African woman ever to reach the quarterfinals of the ITTF Women's World Cup, leaves Macao, China having inspired a generation of players across the African continent.
Wang Chuqin claimed the trophy he has long been chasing. The world number one defeated Sora Matsushima 4-3 (9-11, 18-16, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8) in a final of the highest order, played over one hour and thirteen minutes, to claim his first ever ITTF Men's World Cup title at his fourth appearance at this event.
The match refused to follow a straight line. Sora Matsushima took the opening game, Wang Chuqin levelled in the second by battling all the way to 18-16, and the Japanese star continued to push, levelling again at 2-2 before Wang Chuqin found another gear when it mattered most to close out the deciding game. The road to the title saw Wang Chuqin come from 1-3 down against Darko Jorgic in the quarterfinals and defeat reigning champion Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10) in the semifinals. With the ITTF Men's World Cup title now secured, Wang Chuqin stands just one major title away from completing a career grand slam, with the Olympic men's singles gold medal the remaining prize ahead of LA 2028.
Sora Matsushima takes the silver medal having become only the second Japanese player ever to reach the final of the ITTF Men's World Cup, following Tomokazu Harimoto's appearance in 2019. Hugo Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju share the bronze medals. For the reigning champion Calderano, the title may have slipped from his grasp this week, but the fact that the Brazilian stood on the podium once again is a testament to what makes him one of the most beloved figures in the sport. Macao, China has been his stage, and even without the gold, he leaves to a crowd that knows exactly what he means to this tournament.
