ZJU’s XIANG Peng clinches WTT Champions title in Incheon

On the evening of April 6, 2025, at the WTT Champions Incheon, 22-year-old XIANG Peng delivered a commanding performance to claim his first-ever Men’s Singles title on the WTT Series. XIANG Peng is now studying at Zhejiang University, majoring in sports training in the Class of 2027 at the College of Education, took just 25 minutes to defeat Korean veteran Lee Sang Su with a thunderous 4-0 victory (11-8, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4) in the final, showcasing the strength of Chinese men’s table tennis on the world stage.

With this victory, Xiang not only clinched his maiden WTT Champions trophy, but also rocketed up the world rankings from No. 23 to a personal best of No. 13.

All week in Incheon, the local crowd had been riding a wave of excitement, rallying behind Lee Sang Su as he pulled off a string of upset wins over top names like Felix Lebrun, Lin Gaoyuan, and Lin Yun-Ju. In the final, Lee surged to a 5-8 lead in the first game, only to be stunned by XIANG Peng’s explosive comeback — six consecutive points turned the tide, handing the Chinese star the opening set.

From that moment on, XIANG Peng seized complete control of the match. The second game was a psychological blow to Lee, as Xiang powered through it 11-0. With 22 of the next 29 points going in his favor, XIANG Peng closed out a dominant win and a breakthrough moment in his young career.

This championship run was nothing short of spectacular. XIANG Peng first overcame a 1-4 deficit in the quarterfinals to defeat Olympic semifinalist Hugo Calderano, then went on to topple European powerhouse Patrick Franziska in the semifinals. In the final, he faced seasoned Korean star Lee Sang Su, a bronze medalist at the 2017 World Championships who once famously defeated ZHANG Jike.

Reflecting on his journey, XIANG Peng recalled, “The second-round match against Jang Woo Jin was particularly tough. I was trailing 2-6 in the third game, but I quickly adjusted my mindset and turned the match around.” Demonstrating his fearless spirit and tenacity, he said, “I approached every match with the mentality of giving it my all. Even when I was behind, I stayed calm and fought point by point. I think I did well in that regard.”

As a rising pillar of China’s national table tennis team, XIANG Peng boasts a well-rounded skill set, with powerful, balanced forehand and backhand play, and a dynamic, adaptable offensive strategy. His journey began at just 11 years old, when he won two gold medals and one silver at the 2014 Zhejiang Provincial Games, earning him a spot on the provincial team. In 2017, he made a strong impression at the National Games, and by 2019, he had earned a place on China’s national team. In 2023, he was admitted to Zhejiang University, embarking on a new chapter as a student-athlete.

Professor ZHOU Zheng, a former table tennis player and faculty member in the College of Education, has closely followed XIANG Peng’s progress. “XIANG Peng is not only a highly talented athlete but also a hardworking student,” said ZHOU Zheng. “Since entering Zhejiang University, he has balanced rigorous training and academic responsibilities with great discipline. I hope he continues to grow and reach new heights.”

“The university has been very thoughtful, allowing me to manage both my training and studies,” XIANG Peng commented. “Studying at Zhejiang University has broadened my horizons and exposed me to new knowledge and ideas, which have been very instrumental.”

April 8 marks XIANG Peng’s 22nd birthday, and he has clearly given himself the perfect gift. Looking ahead, he remains humble and focused: “I hope to keep learning new things at school, like improving my English. I haven’t planned too far ahead. I just want to take each step steadily and strive for greater progress.”

Adapted and translated from the article by PENG Sifan and ZHANG Chuyun
Translated: FANG Fumin
Photo: College of Education
Editor: ZHU Ziyu, TIAN Minjie