Photographers break Chinese table tennis star’s paddle to spark major Olympic upset

Just 24 hours after landing mixed doubles gold, Wang Chuqin was stunned by Sweden’s Truls Moregard

Less than 24 hours after celebrating his gold medal win in the table tennis mixed doubles, China’s Wang Chuqin suffered a shock exit in the singles event to Sweden’s Truls Moregard on Wednesday.

For the 22-year-old Moregard it was his second-ever victory over a Chinese player in international competition.

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An ecstatic Moregard celebrated by shouting to the crowd, dancing on the floor, and drawing energy from spectators chanting his name on a thrilling day at Paris 2024.

“I have almost never taken a set against Wang, so it’s crazy to win here. I think how I played in the tactical game was really clever, and I didn’t feel that he had his best day at the beginning,” said Moregard.

The Swede won the first two games against world number one Wang, who then fought back to even the score. In the critical fifth game, Wang narrowed the gap from 4-8 to 8-8 but eventually lost 9-11.

China’s Wang Chuqin suffered a shock loss (AP)

Wang Chuqin was overjoyed after securing his first Olympic gold medal alongside teammate Sun Yingsha on Tuesday.

But his elation soon turned to disbelief, anger and frustration when he discovered that his paddle - crucial for his singles and team events - had been damaged by excited photographers rushing to capture the moment.

Visibly upset, Wang tried to ask for an explanation. His coach tried to hug him in an effort to console him and ask him to stay calm. Wang soon regained his composure despite the setback.

Winner Sweden's Truls Moregard (L) shakes hands with China's Wang Chuqin (AFP via Getty Images)

Sweden's Truls Moregrad, left, reacts after his win against China's Wang Chuqin (AP)

“They didn’t do it on purpose. Since it already happened, there is nothing much I can do about it. I will try to play well with my backup paddle,” Wang said, still visibly affected by the incident. “Maybe this is fate.”

Wang, who had to switch to a backup paddle, conceded that while it briefly affected his emotions, it was not the reason for his loss.

“I think the main reason was my own poor performance, which gave Moregard more opportunities. I made a lot of mistakes, which gradually put me in a disadvantageous position,” said Wang, who will continue his Paris journey in the team event for China.

The burden of achieving China’s ambition for a gold medal sweep in table tennis now falls on Fan Zhendong, the only player left to defend China’s title in the men’s singles event. Fan advanced to the next round after defeating Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting with a 4-1 victory.

Sun Yingsha, who won her first Olympic gold medal a day earlier, also enjoyed a straightforward victory over 61-year-old Ni Xialian, a former Chinese world champion now representing Luxembourg.

Chuqin Wang of China during Men's Singles Round of 32 (via REUTERS)

China's Wang Chuqin, right, reacts after losing by Sweden's Truls Moregrad (AP)

In other notable performances, U.S. male player Kanak Jha achieved a personal best by advancing to the round of 16 after defeating Greece’s Panagiotis Gionis 4-2. Frenchwoman Yuan Jia Nan also made it to the round of 16, coming from behind to secure a 4-1 victory against Canada’s Zhang Mo.