China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha have advanced to the round of 16 at the ITTF World Cup Macao 2026 after topping their respective groups as the tournament completed its group stage in Macao.
The event, taking place at the Galaxy Arena from 30 March to 5 April, features 48 players in both the men’s and women’s singles draws. Competitors were divided into 16 groups during the opening stage, with only the group winners progressing to the knockout rounds.
[See more: ITTF World Cup 2026 kicks off in Macao with Sun Yingsha win]
World No.1 Wang secured his place in the last 16 after defeating Australia’s Finn Luu 3-0 (11-4, 12-10, 11-3) in his final group-stage match. The Chinese star completed the group phase with two straight-game victories to finish top of his group and move into the elimination rounds, where he is set to face France’s Félix Lebrun.
In the women’s competition, defending champion Sun also progressed comfortably after beating Egypt’s Dina Meshref 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-7) in her final group-stage match. The world no.1 recorded two wins from two matches to secure her place in the knockout stage, where she will next face compatriot Kuai Man.
Strong showing from Chinese players
China’s women delivered a dominant performance in the group stage, with several players advancing to the knockout phase, including Wang Manyu, Chen Xingtong and Wang Yidi, alongside Sun and Kuai.
Wang Manyu secured her place in the last 16 after defeating India’s Sreeja Akula 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-3), while Wang Yidi beat Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem 3-1 (8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-4).
In the men’s draw, however, only Wang and Wen Ruibo progressed from the group stage. Wen defeated France’s Simon Gauzy 3-0 (11-8, 14-12, 11-9) to secure his place in the knockout rounds.
[See more: Who is Sun Yingsha? The rise of China’s world no.1 table tennis star]
Another Chinese contender, Liang Jingkun, narrowly missed out after losing a five-game battle to Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov 2-3 (11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 9-11, 10-12).
With the group stage now complete, the tournament has moved into the knockout phase as players compete for places in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals later this week in Macao.
