China reaffirm supremacy, as Japan take bronze. GETTY IMAGES

On an exciting day of women's singles table tennis at Paris 2024 on Saturday, the competition reached its climax with thrilling matches in both the gold and bronze medal encounters.

Prior to the final, together with Wang Chuqin, Chen Meng celebrated their victory on Tuesday, securing China’s first Olympic gold in the mixed doubles event following victory over South Korea. The Chinese team had missed out on the gold medal three years ago in Tokyo 2020 when the hometown duo of Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito triumphed.


Gold medal match

In a highly anticipated final, China's Meng emerged victorious against compatriot and World No. 1 Sun Yingsha with a decisive 4-2 win.

The 30-year-old managed a 4-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, and 11-6 victory at the South Paris Arena 4, outclassing her opponent, showcasing her skills and strategy. 

Clinching gold, she becoming the third female table tennis player to win gold medals in singles at two consecutive Olympics.

The contest was intense, with both players demonstrating exceptional technique and composure. Chen’s victory underscores China's continued dominance in table tennis, reinforcing their reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.

China's Meng got her hands in gold in the women's table tennis singles. GETTY IMAGES
China's Meng got her hands in gold in the women's table tennis singles. GETTY IMAGES

Bronze medal

The bronze medal match featured Japan’s Hina Hayata and South Korea’s Shin Yu-bin, with the former securing a solid 4-2 win in a match filled with competitive rallies.

Shin, 20, won the first game of the hotly contested match 11-9, but Hayata leveled by taking the second game 13-11. 

The Japanese player continued her momentum, winning the third game 12-10 and the fourth 11-7. Shin rallied to claim the fifth game 12-10, but Hayata fought back in the sixth, winning 11-7 to secure a 4-2 victory.

Japan’s Hina Hayata picked up bronze. GETTY IMAGES
Japan’s Hina Hayata picked up bronze. GETTY IMAGES

With the loss, Shin misses out on an individual podium finish in Paris. However, she is still guaranteed to leave the Games with a bronze medal from the mixed doubles event.

Hayata’s triumph, however, adds a significant achievement to Japan’s table tennis legacy, highlighting her impressive form throughout the tournament.





Overall, the women’s singles events delivered high-level table tennis action, with China reaffirming their supremacy while Japan secured a notable podium finish. The results reflect the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of the athletes in this year’s Olympic table tennis tournament.