China’s rising table tennis star Xiang Peng has made a major breakthrough on the international stage by claiming his first WTT Champions title at the WTT Champions Incheon 2025. The 22-year-old delivered a flawless performance in the Men’s Singles final, defeating Korean veteran Lee Sang Su with a commanding 4-0 victory (11-8, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4), and marking a key moment in his professional career.
The INSPIRE Arena in Incheon was packed with passionate fans throughout the week, as the local crowd rallied behind their national hero Lee Sang Su. The Korean star had produced one of the tournament’s most inspiring runs, upsetting high-profile players like Felix Lebrun, Lin Gaoyuan, and Lin Yun-Ju to earn an unexpected place in the final. His journey brought incredible energy to the arena, creating a festival-like atmosphere that showcased the growing popularity of table tennis in Korea.
Lee looked strong in the opening game, building a 5-8 lead and appearing ready to continue his fairy tale run. But Xiang Peng had other plans. Known for his explosive style and mental toughness, the young Chinese player roared back with six consecutive points, turning the match in his favor and stealing the momentum. From that point on, he was unstoppable.
Xiang dominated the second game with a rare 11-0 shutout, showcasing both his raw power and tactical precision. With 22 of the next 29 points going his way, he quickly sealed the title. This win not only earned him his first WTT Series title in Men’s Singles, but also established him as a serious contender ahead of the upcoming ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2025 in Doha.
“I’m very happy. This is my first WTT Champions title, and I feel like it’s a real breakthrough,” said Xiang Peng after the match. “I didn’t expect to win the whole event when the week started—I just focused on each match. Now I’m the champion, and I can’t describe how good it feels.”
Despite the loss, Lee Sang Su remained proud of his performance in front of the home crowd. “Reaching the final here in Incheon felt like a dream,” he said. “The energy from the Korean fans pushed me forward, even though it was also a lot of pressure. I’m thankful for the support, and I hope this inspires more people in Korea to fall in love with ping pong.”
Xiang Peng’s victory at WTT Champions Incheon 2025 is a clear signal that the next generation of Chinese players is ready to shine on the global stage. With the spotlight now turning toward Doha and the ITTF Finals, all eyes will be watching to see how far Xiang can go in the biggest table tennis championship of the year.
