The WTT Star Contender London 2025 concluded with dramatic finals at the historic Copper Box Arena, as fourth-seeded German star Dang Qiu upset top seed Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan to capture the men's singles championship, while Miwa Harimoto edged out fellow Japanese player Hina Hayata in a seven-game thriller to claim the women's title.
In the men's final, Qiu displayed exceptional composure and tactical discipline to defeat the favored Harimoto 4-2. The German star dominated the opening stages, winning each of the first three games by the slimmest of margins at 11-9, 11-9, and 11-8. Despite characteristic resistance from the top-seeded Japanese player, who managed to claw back two games, Qiu maintained his focus and sealed victory with a hard-fought 12-10 win in the sixth game. The triumph marks a significant achievement for German table tennis and demonstrates Qiu's growing stature on the international circuit.
The women's final provided even more drama, as top seed Miwa Harimoto battled back from a precarious position to defeat teammate Hayata in a match that showcased the incredible depth of Japanese women's table tennis. Hayata burst out of the gates with a commanding two-game lead, appearing poised to claim the title. However, Harimoto demonstrated her championship mentality by winning four of the next five games to take a 4-2 advantage. Refusing to surrender, Hayata forced a deciding seventh game that had spectators on the edge of their seats. In the decider, Hayata again started strongly, but Harimoto found another gear when it mattered most, ultimately prevailing 11-9 in the final game.
The tournament, which ran from October 21-26, featured an elite field including no fewer than 11 Olympic medalists and numerous top-20 ranked players from around the world. The event served as an important preparation for London 2026 and demonstrated the capital's capability to host world-class table tennis competitions.
In doubles action, Taiwan's Olympic bronze medalists Lin Yun-ju and Cheng I-ching captured the mixed doubles title on October 27, defeating Hong Kong's fifth-ranked pairing of Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem in four games. The world number 11 duo won 3-1, with scores of 11-8, 11-9, 11-7, and 11-9, showcasing their enduring partnership chemistry despite competing with different partners earlier this season.
The tournament also saw Chinese pairs dominate the doubles categories, with Shi Xunyao and Zhang Xiangyu becoming the first WTT champions crowned in London after sweeping Qin Yuxuan and Zong Geman 3-0 in the women's doubles final. The men's doubles title went to Taiwan's Kuo Guan-Hong and Feng Yi-Hsin, who edged top seeds Wong Chun Ting and Chan Baldwin of Hong Kong in a thrilling five-game final.
With world-class performances across all events, the WTT Star Contender London 2025 has firmly established itself as a premier stop on the international table tennis calendar.
Table Tennis
Dang Qiu and Harimoto Miwa Claim Singles Titles at WTT Star Contender London 2025
📅 Published on October 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM