Yokohama, August 11, 2025 – The Yokohama Buntai arena was electric last Monday when Tomokazu Harimoto, world No. 4, stunned the table tennis community by defeating Chinese world champion Wang Chuqin to win the WTT Champions title.
In a thrilling six-game battle — 11-9, 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 11-13, 11-4 — Harimoto claimed a rare victory over a player who had bested him just two weeks prior with a crushing 0-4 result.
“Iâ€m 2-12 against him in my career, so I had to turn defiant… thanks to everyone in Japan,†Harimoto said after the match.
— Kyodo News
It was a moment of redemption — but one that quickly turned into the center of heated debates online.
A Medical Time-Out That Sparked Debate
At 4-2 in the sixth game, Harimoto requested a medical time-out. Curiously, he propped up his left leg on the step while the physiotherapist treated his right knee.
For many Chinese fans, this appeared less like an injury and more like a psychological tactic to disrupt Wangâ€s rhythm. The reaction on Chinese social media was swift and fierce, with some accusing Harimoto of gamesmanship.
The full story and fan reactions are covered in detail by the South China Morning Post.
The Handshake That Went Wrong
Adding fuel to the fire, Harimoto recalled after his quarter-final win over Xiang Peng that Chinese coach Wang Hao offered him only a “quick handshake†before turning away to focus on his own players.
Perhaps it was simply a brief exchange in a high-pressure environment. But in the context of the long-standing Japan–China rivalry in table tennis, it quickly became a trending topic on Weibo.
See the full breakdown on Trending on Weibo.
A Lesson for Players and Fans Alike
For table tennis enthusiasts here in Quebec and across Canada, this episode is a powerful reminder: at the highest level, the sport is as much mental as it is technical.
Harimotoâ€s performance proves he can beat the best in the world. But it also shows how every choice — from a time-out to a handshake — can leave a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike.
Here, we love fierce battles and fair play. And this mix of brilliance and controversy? Well, itâ€s exactly the kind of story that keeps us watching.
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