China’s Zhou Qihao claimed his first WTT Star Contender singles title in Doha, Qatar, yesterday, defeating compatriot Wen Ruibo in a thrilling six-game match. Additionally, Zhu Yuling of Macau continued her dominant form, securing her second consecutive title at the Lusail Sports Hall. The victories mark a strong start to the 2026 season for both players in the world of professional table tennis.
The tournament, held at the Lusail Sports Hall, saw Qihao overcome a slow start to ultimately triumph over Ruibo. Yuling, meanwhile, extended her winning streak to ten consecutive matches at the venue, solidifying her position as a top contender in women’s singles.
Zhou Qihao Secures Maiden WTT Star Contender Title
Zhou Qihao’s victory represents a significant milestone in his career, marking his first WTT Series singles triumph since Lagos in 2023. The match against Wen Ruibo was a rollercoaster, with Ruibo taking the first game 11-8. However, Qihao quickly adjusted, leveling the match at 1-1 with an 11-9 win in the second game.
Qihao then seized control, winning the next two games 11-7, 11-7, establishing a commanding 3-1 lead. Ruibo demonstrated resilience, launching a comeback and winning the fifth game 11-5. The sixth game proved to be the decisive one, with a tight battle culminating in Qihao securing the win 11-8, closing out the match with a final score of 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8.
Overcoming Adversity
Ranked 36th in the world, Qihao leveraged his experience against the 19-year-old Ruibo in the crucial final moments. His ability to regain composure after losing the first game and withstand Ruibo’s late surge proved pivotal to his success. This win is expected to boost his world ranking and confidence heading into future competitions.
Zhu Yuling Continues Dominance in Doha
Zhu Yuling’s victory in the women’s singles final showcased her consistent performance and skill. She defeated Japan’s Hitomi Sato 4-2, following her previous WTT Champions title win against China’s Chen Xingtong. Yuling’s ten consecutive wins at the Lusail Sports Arena highlight her strong form and adaptability.
Despite a challenging start, losing the first two games 5-11 and 11-13 to Sato, Yuling demonstrated her championship pedigree. She responded strongly, winning the next four games 11-7, 11-6, 11-6, and 11-5, ultimately securing the title. This performance reinforces her status as a leading player in women’s table tennis.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem secured the mixed doubles title, defeating South Korea’s Park Ganghyeon and Kim Nayeong 3-1 in the final. The tournament also featured exciting competition in other categories, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport. The event drew significant attention from Qatar and international sports fans.
The focus now shifts to the WTT Youth Contender, which begins today. This competition will provide a platform for emerging young talents to showcase their skills and compete for recognition. The results of the youth tournament will be closely watched as indicators of the future of international table tennis. Further developments and potential impacts on player rankings will be monitored in the coming weeks.
