Finals bound. Wang Chuqin lines up title defence in Macao
23 April 2023
Wang Chuqin is headed to the Men's Singles final at WTT Champions Macao 2023 after a straight games win over Tomokazu Harimoto (11-9, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4).
The World No.2 has set himself up with a chance at a title defence in Macao, having won the silverware at the 2022 edition of the event.
FOLLOW EVENT ACTION
It was a slow start for Wang Chuqin, trailing in the opening game 2-7. But timing is everything, and once the 2nd seed found the rhythm of Harimoto's ball, the game flipped.
Wang fought his way back to 8-8 and took the game 11-9. It was a pivotal moment that set the tone in the match.
"I think the most important thing was the first set. At the beginning of the first set, I was still not committed enough. I didn't adapt to the rhythm of my opponent. After I won the first set, it will help me a lot in the later stages of the match. I told myself to take my time one point at a time." Wang Chuqin
From then on it was one way traffic.
Despite a close second game, Wang never trailed by more than two points for the rest of the match. With three more games on the board, the lefty with the lethal forehand and killer stare booked a place in the final.
It was a stellar performance from the World No.2, who was able to maintain his perfect singles winning record battling a player that so many have struggled against. It was a win that Wang dedicated to the support built up around him.
"With a bow of respect, I want to thank my coaches, the whole team, and I just wanted to show that I didn't let them down." Wang Chuqin
Wang Chuqin will face the winner of Ma Long and Tomokazu Harimoto in tomorrow's Men's Singles final.