China’s men’s table tennis team secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over France in the semifinals of the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships at Wembley Arena in London early on May 10, Beijing time. The win propels them into the final, where they will face Japan.
Olympic champion Wang Chuqin, playing as China’s top singles player, opened the match against French rising star Keton, a young player who had been undefeated in the tournament. The first set was a tense battle: Wang took an early 9-4 lead, but Keton fought back using aggressive returns and fortunate net cords, pushing the set into deuce. After saving two set points, Wang prevailed 15-13. The second set saw similar drama: Wang led 10-8 but lost 11-13, leveling the match. In the third set, Keton edged ahead 11-9, taking a 2-1 lead. Wang adjusted his service return tactics in the fourth, winning 11-4 to force a decider. In the fifth set, trailing 8-8, Wang scored three consecutive points to clinch 11-8, giving China a 1-0 lead.
In the second match, 19-year-old Felix Lebrun, France’s top singles player, faced China’s Lin Shidong. Lebrun took control early, winning the first set 11-9 after a net-cord winner at set point. The second set was more competitive, with Lin rallying from 6-10 to 9-10 before a return error handed Lebrun an 11-9 win. Lebrun sealed the match 12-10 in the third set, leveling the overall score at 1-1.
The third match pitted China’s Liang Jingkun against France’s Alexis Lebrun. Liang struggled initially, losing the first two sets 3-11 and 1-11. However, he staged a remarkable comeback. In the third set, Liang saved two match points and won 15-13. Carrying momentum into the fourth, he built a 10-3 lead, but then allowed Lebrun to tie at 10-10. Liang held his nerve, winning 12-10. In the decisive fifth set, Liang dominated, taking an 11-2 victory to complete a 3-2 reversal, giving China a 2-1 team lead.
The fourth match was a clash of top singles players: Wang Chuqin versus Felix Lebrun. After splitting the first two sets (13-11, 9-11), Wang seized control in the third, scoring two crucial points at 9-9 to win 11-9. In the fourth set, Wang surged to a 7-0 lead and closed it out 11-4, securing his second win of the night and a 3-1 overall victory for China.
China will now face Japan, who defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for 23:00 Beijing time on May 10.
