4-2 & 4-0! WTT Doha Champions: Dark Horse Falls, Chen Xingtong Sweeps, China Secures Both Champion and Runner-up Spots

On January 11th Beijing time, the two women's singles semifinals of the WTT Doha Champions finished. Zhu Yuling comfortably beat the surprise contender Han Ying 4-2 to reach the final, while the internal Chinese clash became lopsided as Chen Xingtong dominated Kuai Man 4-0. Thus, the final pairing was decided: Zhu Yuling and Chen Xingtong. Although the national team missed out on sweeping the top two places, China nonetheless took both champion and runner-up titles!

Zhu Yuling faced Han Ying. Zhu Yuling, once the world number one for China's national team, had briefly retired but returned to compete representing Macau, maintaining top-tier skill and having won the US Grand Slam, climbing to seventh in the world rankings. Zhu was in good form this tournament, defeating Wang Yidi to reach the semifinals. Her opponent was the 42-year-old veteran Han Ying, who had become the tournament’s giant killer by stunning Chinese stars Chen Yi and Wang Manyu to reach the semis—a remarkable feat. Zhu Yuling prepared thoroughly and quickly took control, winning the first two games 11-7 and 11-4. However, Han Ying adapted swiftly, rallying to even the score with 14-12 and 11-5 wins. Zhu then regained momentum, effectively curbing Han’s attacks and finishing with consecutive wins of 11-6 and 11-5 to claim a 4-2 victory and reach the final first!

Chen Xingtong faced Kuai Man. China sent five players to this event; the entire upper half was eliminated, leaving only Chen Xingtong and Kuai Man from the lower half to reach the semifinals. These two had to compete against each other for a spot in the final—a clash between the new and old main forces. Regardless of who advanced, one finalist spot was guaranteed. The match was intense and competitive, with both players exchanging points. Chen Xingtong was steadier on critical shots, taking the first two games 11-9 and 11-8. Afterwards, Chen dominated completely, overpowering Kuai Man with 11-5 and 11-6 wins, sweeping 4-0 to enter the final!

Thus, the championship match of this tournament will be contested between Zhu Yuling and Chen Xingtong, both from China, making the final an all-Chinese derby. Looking ahead to the upcoming final, Chen Xingtong faces immense pressure, while Zhu Yuling is in good shape, and we hope for great news!

Written by / Sports Novel