Saudi Smash 2024 signed off in style on Saturday as the Men’s and Women’s Singles finals brought Saudi Arabia’s first-ever professional table tennis event to a thrilling conclusion in Jeddah.
After seven action-packed days featuring 256 of the world’s best men’s, women’s, and doubles athletes from 55 member associations, the last two standing in each competition faced off in highly anticipated showdowns with glory, legacy, and world ranking points on offer.
Live from King Abdullah Sports City, the main event saw Chinese sensation and world #1 Wang Chuqin seal a historic Saudi Smash treble with a 4-2 win against Patrick Franziska.
The top seed surged into a 3-0 lead with a comfortable win within his sights before the German world #16 found some momentum – winning Games 4 and 5 to trail 3-2. However, Wang showed his class again in Game 6 to seal a 4-2 victory and add the Singles title to his Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles crowns.
Reflecting on his Saudi Smash Singles victory, Wang said: “It was a spectacular final and a tough match. I was leading after the first three games, but Patrick turned the tables in the fourth. He produced some killer shots, his accuracy became higher, and his overall play was more aggressive. By the sixth, I learned some lessons from the previous two. I was able to stay composed and counter some big shots and the threat he posed. The was key to winning today.”
Commenting on sealing a Saudi Smash treble on his 24th birthday, Wang added: “I could’ve gotten all three titles in the last Grand Smash but it wasn’t meant to be. Thanks to the birthday blessings, I’m able to win them this time, which I’m happy about. From a fans’ standpoint, it may seem like some of these titles were easier than others I’ve won. But in reality, the entire Saudi Smash journey has been long and tough for me.”
While disappointed to miss out on a maiden Grand Smash title, Franziska reflected on a positive Saudi Smash campaign that ended with a top 10 world ranking for the first time. The 31-year-old – who also became the first player from outside China to reach a Grand Smash final – insisted he’s full of confidence heading into upcoming events.
Franziska said: “Wang was just too strong today in the end – too quick. He deserved the victory. Of course, I’m a little sad. But also I’m very happy to have made the final – I didn’t expect this at the start of the tournament and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received throughout.
In the Day 8 co-main event, world number #1 and tournament favourite Sun Yingsha faced #4 seed Chen Meng in an all-Chinese showdown for the women’s Singles crown. Sun raced ahead in the opening game, taking the first 11-6 before her opponent reeled off three successive games to lead 3-1.
Sun rallied to take the fifth and trail 2-3 – needing the sixth to force a decider. However, Chen broke clear again and would not be denied a second Grand Smash title after Singapore Smash Singles glory in 2022 – winning the match 4-2 (6-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11).
Chen, who sealed a second Saudi Smash title after winning the Women’s Doubles with Wang Manyu on Friday, revealed: “I’m very happy and still in disbelief – winning here today has exceeded my expectations. Throughout my Saudi Smash journey, each match was a big hurdle. I gave my best to make it as far as I could and this has resulted in me clinching the title. Going up against Sun, I hoped that luck would be on my side. Despite reaching a few finals in recent times, I haven’t claimed a title since Singapore Smash 2022. It’s far from easy to turn an opportunity into a victory, so I’m really pleased with this one.”
Organised by the Saudi Table Tennis Federation (STTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, Saudi Smash is the newest WTT Grand Smash event and one of three major WTT Series tournaments.
A milestone moment even before the action commenced, Saudi Smash has fulfilled its promise to create a grand new legacy for table tennis nationally and regionally – earning the admiration and approval of all who have experienced the event first-hand.
Stephen Dainton, Chief Executive Officer at the International Table Tennis Federation, revealed: “We are really pleased with the event here in Saudi Arabia – the first ever WTT Grand Smash in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We’ve seen a week of fantastic table tennis, we’ve seen fantastic organisation and wonderful venue here in Jeddah. The players are extremely happy, and us ourselves at World Table Tennis are extremely happy with the first ever Grand Smash here. To make an event on this level is never easy, but Saudi Arabia really delivered a fantastic event”.
Saudi Smash was the latest illustration of Saudi Arabia’s investments in sports. The Kingdom’s incredible year-round schedule of international sporting events is part of its Vision 2030 cultural transformation, which aims to inspire its people to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.
From investments in grassroots infrastructure to hosting international events – including motorsport, football, tennis, and boxing – the Saudi Ministry of Sport has helped inspire a 48% increase in weekly sports participation among the local population in recent years.
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