China's Lin Shidong celebrates after scoring against Tomokazu Harimoto on December 7, 2025 at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Photo: VCG

The Chinese national table tennis team won their third consecutive ITTF Mixed Team World Cup title on Sunday in Chengdu, edging past arch-rival Japan 8-1 in a thrilling final, solidifying their dominance in the sport.

The highly anticipated showdown, dubbed a "preview of the Olympic final" by pundits, lived up to its hype with twists and turns throughout the five-set encounter.

The Chinese team, who remained unbeaten in the tournament leading up to the final, relied on a combination of experienced stars and young talents to withstand Japan's fierce challenge.

The decisive match kicked off with a statement from China's Olympic champion mixed doubles pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. The duo showcased impeccable coordination and precision, sweeping Japan's Sora Matsushima and Satsuki Odo 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 to give China an early 3-0 lead.

In the women's singles, China's Wang Manyu engaged in a battle with Miwa Harimoto with a convincing 11-6, 11-7 and 11-6 to extend China's advantage to 6-0.

Japan fought back fiercely in the men's singles as Tomokazu Harimoto stunned Lin Shidong 11-6. But Lin managed to fight back with 11-5 and 11-6, helping China secure the 8-1 victory in the best-of-15 final.

The triumph marks China's third consecutive title since the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup's inception in 2023, reinforcing their status as the world's table tennis powerhouse.

The tournament holds special significance as mixed team table tennis will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.