In an electrifying display of skill and teamwork, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha have emerged as the mixed doubles champions at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals held in Durban. The World No.1 pair successfully defended their title from the 2021 edition in Houston, solidifying their dominance in the mixed doubles category. 

The epic final clash witnessed Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha facing off against the World No.2 pair, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata of Japan. Both pairs showcased their table tennis prowess in a highly anticipated encounter, and it was Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha who emerged victorious, seizing the championship title with a 3-0 (11-6, 11-2, 11-7) victory over the Japanese pair. 

Their triumph marks a symbolic moment for Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, who became the first athletes to claim a trophy at the ITTF World Championships Finals 2023. At the trophy presentation ceremony, the pair was awarded with the emblematic Heydusek Cup, which was donated in 1948 by Zdenek Heydusek, Secretary of the Czechoslovakia Association. 

On their emphatic win, Wang Chuqin said, “This win is extremely precious and important to us. The first time we won our mixed doubles was in Houston, and this time, we adopted a fighting mentality and just focused on giving our best. As this is the second time that we are competing in the World Championships mixed doubles final, we put in a lot of effort together with the coaches and team China.”  

Sun Yingsha conveyed her appreciation for the tremendous support they received from their fans, adding, “I really appreciate the support that we have been shown by our fans, and it was great to see them come all the way to South Africa to support us live. We would like to thank them once again.”  

With the champions of the mixed doubles now crowned, the focus now shifts to the upcoming finals in other categories. The men’s doubles and women’s doubles championships are set to be contested tomorrow. The anticipation is also building for the highly anticipated men’s singles and women’s singles finals, which will take place on Sunday for the crowning glory of the individual champions. 

Follow all the action from the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Durban 2023 on our website and stay up to date with the full results, draws and match schedules. Obtain free photos for editorial use here.