Doha, Qatar – Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei and Macau’s Zhu Yuling emerged victorious at the WTT Champions Doha 2026, claiming the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively. Both players secured wins after significant periods without major championship success, marking a compelling weekend of table tennis at the Lusail Sports Hall. The tournament showcased high-level competition and highlighted the resilience of these seasoned athletes.
Lin Yun-Ju ended a 798-day title drought with a commanding straight-games victory (11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11) over South Korea’s Jang Woojin. Meanwhile, Zhu Yuling captured her first major title in four years, overcoming Chen Xingtong in a thrilling 4-2 match (5-11, 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-8, 13-11).
Yun-Ju’s Return to Form in Men’s Singles Table Tennis
The 24-year-old Lin Yun-Ju demonstrated exceptional form throughout the final, consistently outmaneuvering Woojin. He had previously faced challenges in converting strong tournament showings into championship wins over the last two years, but his performance in Doha was decisive.
Woojin had earlier upset the top seed, Lin Shidong, in the semi-finals, showcasing his own potential in the competition. However, Yun-Ju proved too strong in the final, effectively ending Woojin’s impressive run. This victory represents Yun-Ju’s fourth overall WTT Series title and his first since winning at WTT Champions Frankfurt in 2023.
Yuling’s Dramatic Comeback in Women’s Singles
The women’s final was a drastically different affair than the men’s, unfolding as a tense and hard-fought battle. Chen Xingtong initially took control of the match, winning the first and third games convincingly.
However, Zhu Yuling displayed remarkable mental fortitude, responding each time with a determined effort. She leveled the score at 2-2, capitalizing on crucial fifth-game win that shifted the momentum in her favor. The sixth game was a nail-biter, reaching 8-8 before Yuling secured a 10-9 lead and ultimately closed out the match 13-11.
After the match, Yuling expressed feeling surprisingly calm despite the intensity of the competition. She also acknowledged the physical and mental toll of playing two matches in a single day, having already competed in the semi-finals.
Yuling, 31, even reflected on the possibility of retirement, stating she felt she was reaching her physical limits. Nevertheless, she affirmed a commitment to continue training and competing with unwavering dedication, resolving to leave no regrets. This speaks to her enduring passion for the sport of table tennis.
The WTT Champions Doha 2026 event is a significant part of the 31st Qatar International Table Tennis Championship series.
The competition now transitions to a focus on junior talent, with the WTT Contender Junior event scheduled from January 19 to 22, followed by the WTT Star Contender Junior from January 23 to 25. The month-long series will conclude with the WTT Feeder Doha 2026 Tournament from January 27 to 31.
The success of these events looks to further popularize the sport in the Middle East. Observers will be watching to see which emerging players will capitalize on the opportunity to compete on the international stage and if Yuling’s victory marks a resurgence in her competitive career.
