The third edition of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup concluded in Chengdu today, with China claiming the GUOLIANG-SÖRLING Trophy in a tournament that showed the growing depth and diversity of table tennis ahead of the format’s Olympic debut at LA28. Germany claimed the bronze medal with an 8-7 victory over Korea Republic
China defeated Japan 8-1 in the final to secure their third consecutive Mixed Team World Cup title, demonstrating their dominance in the format that will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The semifinals saw China overcome Korea Republic 8-3 in the morning session, whilst Japan defeated Germany 8-3 to set up the final.
Germany claimed the bronze medal with an 8-7 victory over Korea Republic in a thrilling encounter, capping off an impressive tournament that saw them reach the podium. Germany have now become the first-ever European team to reach the podium at a ITTF Mixed Team World Cup.
Germany entered the match with confidence, having already defeated Korea Republic by the same scoreline in Stage 2. This time, however, they made a crucial tactical adjustment: Qiu DANG was assigned to both the Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles, while Patrick FRANZISKA took over the Men’s Singles, a strategic choice given Dang’s previous 0-3 loss to Woojin JANG.
Qiu DANG and Annett KAUFMANN surged ahead with two dominant games against Nayeong KIM and Ganghyeon PARK. Attention then shifted to the Women’s Singles, a repeat matchup from Stage 2: Sabine WINTER vs. Eunhye LEE. WINTER’S clever use of anti-spin controlled the opening game 11-5, repeatedly forcing LEE into hesitation over the spin content. Though Lee struggled early in the second, she suddenly found her timing and reversed the momentum to win 11-9. The decider was tense: LEE led 10-9 but missed a sitter; WINTER responded with two unforced errors, handing Lee a dramatic 12-10 victory and a 2-1 match win.
Germany slipped further behind in the Men’s Singles, where FRANZISKA endured a poor start against Woojin JANG, losing 5-11. He stabilised to take the second 11-7, but Jang tightened his countering play to claim the decider 11-7 and extend Korea Republic’s advantage.
The tide shifted again in the Men’s Doubles, with DANG and Benedikt DUDA stepping up under pressure. After dropping the first game, they crushed the second 11-3 against Junsung Oh and PARK. The final game became a nerve-shredding duel, PARK producing late fireworks once more, but Dang and Duda edged it 11-9 with two spectacular rallies to seal the 2-1 win and pull Germany level.
With the match locked at 6-6, everything hinged on the Women’s Doubles: Sabine WINTER and Nina MITTELHAM vs. Eunhye LEE and Hyojoo CHOI. Germany snatched the opening game, Korea responded instantly, and the tie stood at 7-7 overall heading into the final showdown.
The last game became a showcase of German precision. Capitalising on an early error from Lee, WINTER and MITTELHAM shifted into a flawless rhythm, racing to an 11-1 victory.
