When it comes to table tennis, few players have captivated fans and dominated at the highest level quite like Sun Yingsha. Known for her explosive style and remarkable mental resilience, her journey through iconic matches has been nothing short of spectacular. In this detailed review, we will dive deep into the Top 10 Sun Yingsha matches of all time, highlighting the significance of each encounter that helped shape this extraordinary athlete’s legacy. These matches not only capture her technical brilliance but also paint a picture of relentless determination and competitive spirit.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Women’s Singles Final vs. Chen Meng (2021)
Result: Loss (2-4 to Chen Meng)
Significance: While a loss, this silver medal match was crucial in her career as it demonstrated her ability to perform at the highest Olympic level. It fueled her desire for an individual gold, which she would later achieve.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic final between Sun Yingsha and Chen Meng stands out not just as a fierce competition but as a defining moment for Sun’s career trajectory. At just 20 years old, Sun was put to the ultimate test on the world’s grandest stage. The intensity and expectation were palpable, pitting two Chinese stars against each other in a high-stakes duel. Though Sun fell short with a 2-4 loss, her display of skill and composure reflected a player destined for greatness. The defeat was a catalyst, stoking her hunger for an individual gold medal.
Paris 2024 Olympic Women’s Singles Final vs. Chen Meng (2024)
Result: Win (4-2)
Significance: This victory secured her first individual Olympic gold medal and completed the career “Grand Slam” (Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup titles), a monumental achievement that solidified her legacy.
The story of redemption unfolded spectacularly three years later at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Facing the same rival, Chen Meng, Sun Yingsha managed to flip the script and capture the gold in a compelling 4-2 victory. This win not only marked her first individual Olympic gold but also represented the rare “Grand Slam” achievement that includes Olympic, World Championships, and World Cup titles — a testament to her consistent elite performance.
2023 World Championships Women’s Singles Final vs. Chen Meng (2023)
Result: Win (4-2)
Significance: Sun secured her maiden women’s singles world title with this win. It was a pivotal victory that shifted the head-to-head dynamic with her main rival and cemented her World No. 1 status.
The 2023 World Championships final was a breakthrough event for Sun, as she clinched her first women’s singles world title. Battling Chen Meng once again, the 4-2 victory showcased her evolution into a dominant force. The match held immense psychological weight; winning against a longtime rival not only altered their competitive dynamic but confirmed Sun’s emergence as the top player globally.
2019 World Team Cup Final vs. Mima Ito (2019)
Result: Win (came back from 10-7 down in the deciding 5th game)
Significance: Sun refers to this match as a “precious match” in her career. It was a high-pressure encounter against a key Japanese rival, where her mental fortitude and comeback ability were on full display.
One of the most thrilling matches in Sun Yingsha’s early career was the 2019 World Team Cup final against Japan’s Mima Ito. Known for her quick attacking style, Ito pushed Sun to the brink, especially in the deciding fifth game where Sun found herself trailing 10-7. The comeback she mounted, winning consecutive points under immense pressure, demonstrated a level of mental grit that belies her youth.
2024 China Smash Women’s Singles Final vs. Wang Manyu (2024)
Result: Win (4-2)
Significance: Sun defeated her compatriot and strong rival Wang Manyu in a hard-fought final to become the inaugural China Smash champion.
In the 2024 China Smash final, Sun Yingsha faced one of her toughest domestic opponents in Wang Manyu. This match was notable for the fierce rivalry and the tactical battles that unfolded point by point. Winning 4-2, Sun claimed the inaugural China Smash title, underscoring her ability to emerge victorious in closely contested matches.
2019 ITTF World Tour German Open Final vs. Mima Ito (2019)
Result: Win (4-1)
Significance: This was another dominant performance against the formidable Mima Ito, showcasing Sun’s superiority and ability to handle the Japanese star’s unique style.
The German Open final in 2019 was a key moment where Sun Yingsha displayed her control over one of her most persistent rivals. Against Mima Ito, Sun produced a convincing 4-1 win that highlighted both technical skill and psychological dominance. Ito’s aggressive pace and unpredictable balls were met with Sun’s precision and counter-attack.
2023 WTT Singapore Smash Women’s Singles Final vs. Qian Tianyi (2023)
Result: Win (4-1)
Significance: This win was part of a “triple crown” at the tournament (singles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles), highlighting her dominance across all formats at a major event.
Showcasing her versatility, Sun’s victory at the 2023 WTT Singapore Smash was a comprehensive display of her prowess, not just in singles but across doubles formats as well. Her 4-1 win over Qian Tianyi in the singles final was part of a remarkable “triple crown” achievement, where she also won women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles.
2017 ITTF World Tour Platinum Japan Open Final vs. Chen Meng (2017)
Result: Win (4-1)
Significance: At just 16 years old, Sun defeated a senior teammate to win her first major international singles title, a groundbreaking win for a player born after 2000.
Perhaps one of the most eye-opening matches was the 2017 Japan Open final where 16-year-old Sun triumphed decisively over Chen Meng. This victory was groundbreaking as it heralded the arrival of a new generation of talent in women’s table tennis. Sun’s 4-1 win as a teenager against such a respected opponent was a clear indicator of her potential and set the stage for her future dominance.
2024 WTT World Cup Final vs. Wang Manyu (2024)
Result: Win (4-3)
Significance: A tight, seven-game thriller where Sun came out on top, demonstrating her fighting spirit in a major final to claim the World Cup title.
The 2024 WTT World Cup final against Wang Manyu was a true nail-biter, extending to a full seven games filled with intense rallies and momentum swings. Sun’s eventual 4-3 victory exemplified her fighting spirit and tactical resilience. Each point was contested fiercely, with both players refusing to yield.
2019 Asian Championships Women’s Singles Final vs. Liu Shiwen (2019)
Result: Win (3-0)
Significance: Sun’s debut appearance at the Asian Championships culminated in a gold medal, where she defeated the highly experienced Liu Shiwen in convincing fashion.
Finally, the 2019 Asian Championships showcased Sun Yingsha’s rapid rise by defeating Liu Shiwen, a seasoned and decorated champion, with a clean 3-0 result. This emphatic win in her debut at the Championships assured fans and analysts alike that Sun was a generational talent ready to dominate continental and world stages.
The match was noted for Sun’s aggressive pressure and quick transitions, leaving Liu Shiwen little room to find her rhythm. This breakthrough performance was a harbinger of the fierce competitiveness and technical brilliance we have come to associate with Sun Yingsha.
