Doha: The 2026 season has begun in spectacular fashion for Zhu Yuling, who successfully defended her title at the WTT Star Contender Doha after overcoming Japan’s Hitomi Sato in a gripping final at the Lusail Sports Arena. Zhu sealed the victory in six games (5-11, 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5), extending her unbeaten run on the WTT Series this year.
Fresh from claiming her first WTT Champions title in Doha just a week earlier, Zhu maintained her flawless momentum, registering five more victories to make it a perfect 10 wins from 10 matches in 2026. Her remarkable run was nearly halted in the semifinals, where she saved a match point to edge past Satsuki Odo, foreshadowing the stern test that awaited her in the final.
Facing defensive specialist Hitomi Sato, who had not dropped a single game en route to the final, Zhu found herself under pressure early as the Japanese star claimed the opening two games. However, the former world No.1 adjusted her approach in the third game, unlocking Sato’s defence and shifting the momentum decisively. From there, Zhu controlled the contest, stringing together four consecutive games to clinch back-to-back titles in Doha.
In the men’s singles, Zhou Qihao emerged victorious to claim his first WTT Star Contender title and his first WTT Series triumph since WTT Contender Lagos 2023. Zhou displayed composure and experience in the final, defeating rising star Wen Ruibo in six games (8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8).
Wen, just 19 years old, had turned heads throughout the week, including a sensational semifinal win over second seed Hugo Calderano. Although he made a confident start in the final, Zhou’s calmness in key moments proved decisive as he steered himself to victory.
Earlier on Sunday, Hong Kong, China’s Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem finally lifted a WTT Series trophy, capturing the mixed doubles title in Doha. One of table tennis’ longest-standing partnerships, the duo leaned on their vast experience to overcome Park Ganghyeon and Kim Nayeong in four games (9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5), ending a long wait for WTT Series gold.
Courtesy: QOC
