Wang Chuqin Clinches Asian Cup Title, Defeats Harimoto in Thrilling Final

Wang Chuqin Clinches Asian Cup Title, Defeats Harimoto in Thrilling Final

Chinese table tennis star Wang Chuqin secured his second consecutive ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup men’s singles title on February 8, 2026, defeating Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto 4-2 in a high-stakes final in Haikou. The victory, marked by a dramatic celebration and a display of mental fortitude, highlighted Chuqin’s resilience under pressure and his growing dominance in the sport.

Wang Chuqin is crowned the 35th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup men’s singles champion, with the tournament logo and his name prominently displayed

A Thrilling Final: Chuqin vs. Harimoto

The final was a battle of nerves and skill, with Chuqin and Harimoto trading points in a tense six-set match. Chuqin, the defending champion, showed composure when it mattered most, closing out the match with a 11-9 win in the sixth set. The victory was particularly sweet as it came against Harimoto, a rival who had pushed him to the limit in previous encounters.

Harimoto, known for his aggressive play, struggled to find an edge against Chuqin’s consistent defense and powerful forehand. In a memorable moment from the second set, Harimoto was forced into a “frog jump” to return a serve, a move that became a viral talking point online. Despite losing the point, Chuqin remained unfazed, earning praise from coach Wang Hao for his “Wang’s Disdain” — a term coined for his calm, unflappable demeanor under pressure.

The “Wang’s Disdain” Moment

Chuqin’s mental strength was on full display throughout the match. After losing a critical point in the second set, he refused to let frustration take over, instead flashing a confident smile and focusing on the next rally. This composure, which fans dubbed “Wang’s Disdain,” became a symbol of his maturity as a player.

“This is absolutely shocking! The way he stayed calm after that point — that’s why he’s the champion.” - Weibo user @sports_fan_88

Celebration and Team Spirit

After securing the win, Chuqin turned to the coaching bench and pointed directly at Wang Hao, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans. Wang Hao, in turn, raised his fist in a show of support, creating a powerful image of trust and teamwork. The moment was captured in countless social media posts, with users praising the bond between player and coach.

Wang Chuqin celebrates his victory by pointing to coach Wang Hao, a moment that resonated with fans for its display of trust and team spirit

Chuqin’s celebration was further highlighted by his reaction to the national anthem. After receiving the trophy, he paused his celebration to stand at attention as the Chinese national anthem played, a gesture that underscored his pride in representing his country.

Chuqin’s Mental Battle

Behind the scenes, Chuqin revealed the immense pressure he faced. In a post-match interview, he admitted to suffering from insomnia in the weeks leading up to the tournament, with his hands shaking during the first serve of each match due to nerves. “I haven’t slept well in a month,” he said. “But I knew I had to stay focused. Every point mattered.”

Despite the stress, Chuqin’s training paid off. He credited his coach and teammates for helping him stay grounded, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without their support.”

The Road to the Final

Chuqin’s path to the final was not without challenges. As the only Chinese man to reach the semifinals, he carried the weight of his country’s expectations on his shoulders. He breezed through the semifinals, defeating Zhang Yudan of Chinese Taipei 4-0, but the final against Harimoto was a different story.

The rivalry between China and Japan added an extra layer of intensity to the match. The flags of both nations hung above the court, and the crowd’s energy was electric. Chuqin, however, remained focused, using the pressure as motivation.

The flags of China and Japan hang above the court during the men’s singles final, symbolizing the intense rivalry between the two nations

A Victory for Team China

Chuqin’s win was a boost for the Chinese men’s team, which had faced scrutiny in recent months. With top players like Fan Zhendong sidelined, Chuqin emerged as the team’s leader, proving that he could carry the load. His victory was celebrated by fans and officials alike, with the Chinese national team posting a heartfelt message on social media.

“Volley after volley, blood and sweat forged his edge! Head held high, spine straight, courage red, forward! Congratulations to Wang Chuqin on winning the championship!” - TEAMCHINA

As Chuqin held the trophy aloft, wearing his gold medal and a proud smile, it was clear that this victory was more than just a title. It was a testament to his hard work, mental toughness, and the unwavering support of his team. For fans, it was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Wang Chuqin holds the Asian Cup trophy after his victory, wearing his gold medal and a proud smile

With the Asian Cup in his hands, Chuqin now turns his attention to the next challenge: the Singapore Grand Slam. But for now, he’s savoring the moment — a moment that will be remembered as a display of skill, heart, and the spirit of table tennis.