The opening rounds of Singapore Smash 2025 have already delivered high-stakes drama, with top contenders bowing out earlier than expected, while a legend makes her final bow on the big stage. Fans at the Singapore Sports Hub have witnessed stunning upsets, emotional farewells, and unforgettable moments as the world’s best battle for glory.
Here are the highlights of all the action, key results, and what to expect on Day 3 of the first WTT Grand Smash of the season.
Opening Day Highlights:
- Local favourite Pang Koen set the tone by thrilling the Singapore crowd with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Manav Thakkar in the Men’s Singles Round of 64
- In a sensational display, birthday boy Iulian Chirita overcame a two-game deficit to stun No.10 seed Darko Jorgic in a five-game marathon (7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8)
- Teenage ace Hana Goda notched her breakthrough win against Maria Xiao in a closely contested 3-1 (7- 11, 13-11, 11-5, 12-10) battle.
- Lily Zhang broke her round of 64 curse with a commanding win over Ser Lin Qian 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-4)
Champions Rise, a Legend’s Last Stand, and Para Stars Shine on Day 2:
World No. 1 Sun Yingsha issued her statement of intent to reclaim her Singapore Smash Women’s Singles title with a comfortable 3-0 (11-3,11-3, 11-7) win over Suh Hyo Won from the Korea Republic on Monday.
“When it comes to playing against a defensive player, it is key to understand and anticipate the spin well and also possess the ability to make consecutive attacks. I’m happy I managed to do that against Suh today. This is my first match of the competition and I’m feeling better than expected especially when it comes to controlling my match rhythm and tempo,” said Sun.
Jeon Ji-hee, called time on her 14-year professional table tennis career, playing out her last competitive match against friend and long-time doubles partner Shin Yubin in their Round of 64 clash prevailing 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-7).
“I’m really grateful to WTT for inviting me again. Originally, I wasn’t planning to compete in 2025, but receiving this special invitation made me very happy. It felt like a proper farewell match, not just saying goodbye to everyone but also a way to say goodbye to myself. As for my match with Shin, I was just thrilled. Playing my last match with her felt special,” said Jeon.
Singapore Smash 2025 Para Showcase
Blockbuster Clashes Continue on Day 3
Miu Hirano (JPN) vs [Q] Zhu Yuling (MAC)
Women’s Singles R32 | 13:45 (GMT+8)
Japanese ace Miu Hirano faces qualifier Zhu Yuling from Macau. Although Zhu Yuling has won seven of their eight previous encounters, this marks their first meeting at a WTT event. With No.12 seed Miu Hirano eyeing her fourth last-16 appearance at the Grand Smash level and Zhu Yuling coming into this match on the back of three successive 3-0 wins—without dropping a game—this encounter is set to deliver some captivating action.
Liang Jingkun (CHN) vs Dimitrij Ovtcharov (GER)
Men’s Singles R32 | 18:35 (GMT+8)
In their inaugural WTT head-to-head, Chinese powerhouse Liang Jingkun will take on the seasoned German, Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Having met only once before on the international stage—with Ovtcharov claiming a 4-2 victory—Liang is keen to reassert his credentials as a former Grand Smash finalist after his runner-up finish at Singapore Smash 2024, while Ovtcharov aims to match his best Grand Smash result by reaching the round of 16 once more.
Kuai Man (CHN) vs Hana Goda (EGY)
Women’s Single R32 | 18:35 (GMT+8)
This much-anticipated duel sees former youth rivals Kuai Man and Hana Goda meet for only their second WTT encounter. Kuai, who has remained unbeaten against Goda in their four previous meetings (all 3-0 wins), is looking to notch her first round-of-16 appearance at this level. Meanwhile, Goda, buoyed by her breakthrough win on Day 1, is determined to become the first Egyptian to progress to the last 16 in the Women’s Singles draw.
Wang Chuqin (CHN) vs [WC] Pang Koen (SGP)
Men’s Single R32 | 20:20 (GMT+8)
In a clash that marks their first meeting on the world stage, defending Men’s Singles champion Wang Chuqin is set to face home favourite Pang Koen. Wang Chuqin, who retained his title at Singapore Smash 2024 and clinched last season’s Saudi Smash, now chases a third Grand Smash crown. Meanwhile, Pang, having recently booked a spot in the round of 32, is on the cusp of making history as only the second Singaporean to reach the round of 16 at this level.
Credit: WTT Press