Published: 11:53, July 14, 2025 | Updated: 17:03, July 14, 2025
Wang Chuqin thumps Harimoto, veteran Zhu Yuling returns to the top
By Xinhua
China's Wang Chuqin celebrates after winning Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto in the men's singles final at the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas, July 14, 2025. (PHOTO / WTT HANDOUT VIA XINHUA)

WASHINGTON - China's Wang Chuqin swept Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto in the men's singles final, while university teacher and former World Cup winner Zhu Yuling returned to the top by defeating Chen Yi in a clash of female giant-killers at the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on Sunday.

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Wang, who became China's first left-handed men's singles world champion earlier this year, gave little chance to the third-seeded Harimoto, who has a reputation for struggling against left-handed opponents.

This screenshot, released by Xinhua News Agency's official social media account, shows China's Wang Chuqin competing with Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto in the men's singles final at the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on July 14, 2025. 

Displaying confidence and control, the second-seeded Wang dominated with wide-angled shots and steady rallies, securing an 11-3, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8 victory.

"I kept level-headed either in lead or trailing," said Wang. "I felt so relieved when the tournament was over. I need a short break and come back again."

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Zhu, once a key player on the Chinese national team and now representing Macao, China, used her experience, strong backhands and unpredictable rhythm changes to overcome a two-set deficit and defeat Chen 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 in 56 minutes.

Zhu Yuling of Macao, China serves against Chen Yi of China in the women's singles final at the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas, July 14, 2025. (PHOTO / WTT HANDOUT VIA XINHUA)

Zhu had previously stepped away from the sport to recover from cancer, pursue academic studies, become a professor at Tianjin University, and manage her family business. She returned to competitive play last year and upset world No 2 Wang Manyu on her way to the final. Chen, 20, had earlier eliminated several top seeds, including reigning world champion Sun Yingsha.

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"This isn't a typical clash of speed and power," said Zhu. "We battled against each other in terms of patience, tenacity, spin, offense and defense."