Harimoto Upsets Wang Chuqin to Capture Men’s Title at WTT Yokohama Champions】

Wang, who represents the Beijing provincial team, entered the Yokohama event as one of the tournament favourites, having won several World Tour titles in recent months. Despite a strong start, he was unable to contain Harimoto’s aggressive forehand and rapid footwork, ultimately yielding the champion’s crown to the Japanese teenager.

The final was not without drama. Mid‑match, Harimoto remarked that Wang’s decision to change his jersey caused a delay that left Harimoto waiting, contributing to a knee‑strain he claimed to have felt later. The comment sparked a flurry of discussion on Chinese social media, where fans debated the propriety of such a remark. Nonetheless, Harimoto’s post‑match conduct was widely praised. He shook hands with his former coach, the legendary former Chinese player Wang Hao, before celebrating his victory — a gesture that contrasted with earlier, more contentious moments in his career.

In the award ceremony, Wang displayed sportsmanship, congratulating Harimoto and accepting his runner‑up medal with grace. CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, highlighted the respectful exchange, underscoring the mutual respect between the two competitors.

The tournament also saw a Chinese triumph on the women’s side, as Chen Xingtong claimed the women’s singles title, reinforcing China’s continued strength in the sport.

Online reaction to Wang’s runner‑up finish was largely supportive. Many Weibo users emphasized that losing a single match is a normal part of an athlete’s journey and lauded Wang for the honor he has consistently brought to Chinese table tennis. A chorus of comments called for respect toward elite athletes, warning against excessive criticism after a defeat. At the same time, some netizens focused on Harimoto’s controversial medical timeout and his post‑match comments, questioning whether the Japanese player had exploited the rule or displayed unsportsmanlike conduct. The debate reflected the broader scrutiny both players face in an era where every high‑profile match is dissected in real time.

Overall, Wang Chuqin’s second‑place finish at the WTT Yokohama Champions reinforced his status as one of the sport’s top contenders, while Harimoto’s victory signaled a shifting balance of power in men’s table tennis. Both athletes left the arena with a renewed sense of purpose — Wang with the motivation to return stronger, and Harimoto with the confidence that he can challenge China’s best on the world stage.