Imagine the thrill of watching a true underdog story unfold on the table tennis court—where skill, strategy, and sheer willpower clash in a battle of champions. In a jaw-dropping showdown at China’s 15th National Games, Shanghai’s Fan Zhendong pulled off an incredible victory over the world’s top-ranked player, Beijing’s Wang Chuqin, clinching a spot in the men’s singles final. But here’s where it gets controversial—does this upset signal the end of Wang’s unchallenged reign, or is it just a temporary setback in the relentless world of elite table tennis? Let’s dive into the details and uncover what made this match so unforgettable.
The action unfolded at Macao’s Galaxy Arena on Saturday, November 15, 2025, where these two table tennis titans delivered a back-and-forth spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Representing Shanghai, Fan Zhendong faced off against Beijing’s Wang Chuqin in the semifinals, and it was a nail-biter from start to finish. Wang, the clear favorite and current world No. 1, grabbed an early advantage by winning the first three games with scores of 11-7, 9-11, and 11-9, putting him up 2-1. But Fan, ever the resilient competitor, refused to buckle. He stormed back to take the next two games convincingly, 11-7 and 11-5, tying the match at 2-2.
And this is the part most people miss—the dramatic sixth game where everything hinged on a single momentum shift. Wang kicked things off with a commanding 4-0 lead, looking unstoppable. Yet, Fan unleashed a blistering comeback, rattling off six straight points to seize control and ultimately win 11-7. It was a testament to Fan’s ability to stay composed under pressure, turning what seemed like a lost cause into a triumphant advancement to the final. For beginners wondering how table tennis scoring works, each game goes to 11 points, and you must win by at least two points unless it’s tied at 10-10, in which case it goes to 11. This match’s swings highlight just how quickly fortunes can change in a sport where one well-placed smash or spin can decide everything.
After the match, Fan shared his thoughts on the intense pressure he faced against such a formidable opponent. ‘Facing someone as exceptional as Wang inevitably brings on a lot of stress,’ he explained. ‘I worked hard to stay mentally balanced, reminding myself repeatedly to concentrate on just winning the next point. One slip-up could have flipped the entire outcome.’ The 28-year-old also reflected on his journey, noting, ‘Every competition feels unique at various points in my career. I’ll keep pushing myself to the limit to demonstrate my drive and endurance.’
For his part, the 25-year-old Wang showed grace in defeat, offering high praise for Fan’s stellar play. ‘His returns were far more impressive than I anticipated,’ Wang admitted. ‘In the fifth and sixth games, he really hit his groove, and I struggled to find effective counters. There’s definitely room for me to grow and refine my approach, especially in those crucial moments.’ This mutual respect between rivals adds a layer of sportsmanship to the event, reminding us that even the best can learn from close losses.
Both athletes are giants in the Chinese table tennis scene, where the sport is practically a national obsession. Wang’s recent feats are particularly noteworthy—he became the first male player ever to surpass the 10,000-point milestone in the current world ranking system after claiming the men’s singles title at the World Table Tennis China Smash in October. As world No. 1, Wang has set a new standard, but this semifinal defeat raises eyebrows: Could it be that the pressure of maintaining that top spot is starting to weigh on him? Or is this just a blip, and he’ll rebound even stronger? It’s a controversial take, but some fans argue that Wang’s dominance might be stifling innovation in the sport, while others see it as a healthy challenge pushing players like Fan to new heights.
On the flip side, Fan’s accolades speak volumes about his versatility. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he secured gold in both the men’s singles and team events, marking him as the 11th player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam—a rare feat encompassing victories in the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup. For those new to table tennis, think of a Grand Slam like hitting the jackpot in tennis or golf; it’s the ultimate trifecta that proves a player’s all-around mastery. Fan’s journey shows how grit and adaptability can trump even the highest rankings.
Looking ahead, Fan will square off in the final against Hainan’s Lin Shidong, who overcame Liaoning’s Yuan Licen in a 4-1 victory. This sets up what promises to be another electrifying clash, potentially pitting Fan’s comeback resilience against Lin’s own strengths.
Fan Zhendong celebrates scoring during the men’s singles semifinal match of table tennis between Fan Zhendong of Shanghai and Wang Chuqin of Beijing at China’s 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)
Fan Zhendong competes during the men’s singles semifinal match of table tennis between Fan Zhendong of Shanghai and Wang Chuqin of Beijing at China’s 15th National Games in Macao, south China, Nov. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
What do you think about this shocking result? Do you believe Wang’s loss is a sign of generational change in table tennis, or will he reclaim his throne soon? Could the overwhelming success of Chinese players be limiting global diversity in the sport? Share your opinions in the comments—let’s discuss!