Men's singles: Fan Zhendong's triumph

China's Fan Zhendong, the reigning world champion, claimed his first Olympic gold in the men's singles, defeating Sweden's Truls Moregardh in a 4-1 victory. The final was a display of Fan's tactical superiority and mental toughness, especially after losing the first game 8-11. Moregardh, ranked 26th globally, had an extraordinary run in the tournament, notably eliminating world number one Wang Chuqin in the earlier rounds, making his silver medal an impressive achievement.

Fan's victory was particularly significant as it marked his continued dominance in the sport, following his world championship win earlier in the year. The Chinese star's ability to adapt mid-match after a shaky start in the final showcased his championship mentality. On the other side, Moregardh expressed pride in his silver medal, noting that achieving such a feat in his first Olympics was beyond his expectations. He played his heart out, especially in the final, but acknowledged Fan's superior play.

Women's singles: Chen Meng's legacy

In the women's singles, Chen Meng successfully defended her Olympic title, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Her compatriot, Sun Yingsha, secured the silver, demonstrating China's continued dominance in women's table tennis. The match between Chen and Sun was a repeat of their Tokyo 2020 final, with Chen once again proving her mettle by clinching the gold.

Japan's Hina Hayata secured the bronze, adding a bright spot to Japan's campaign. Her performance was a testament to her perseverance and skill, particularly in a field dominated by Chinese players. Despite facing tough competition, Hayata managed to secure Japan's only table tennis medal at these Games, highlighting her potential as a future contender on the global stage.

Team events: China's continued supremacy

In the men's team event, China continued its unbroken streak by winning its fifth consecutive Olympic gold since the event's introduction in 2008. The Chinese team, featuring legends like Ma Long, who was playing in his final Olympics, along with Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin, defeated Sweden in the final. Long's contribution, particularly in the doubles match with Wang, was crucial, and his retirement after this event marked the end of an era. Ma leaves the sport as the most decorated table tennis player in Olympic history, with six gold medals to his name.

Sweden, led by Moregardh, put up a valiant effort, taking home the silver in the team event. This was a historic achievement for the Swedes, who have consistently been among the top contenders in international table tennis. The French men's team, buoyed by the home crowd, secured the bronze after a tense match against Japan, adding another medal to their tally and giving the hosts much to celebrate.

In the women's team competition, China once again reigned supreme, defeating Japan in the final to claim gold. The victory further established China's dominance across all table tennis events at the Paris Olympics. Japan took silver, while South Korea secured the bronze, rounding out a highly competitive and exciting tournament.

Mixed doubles and overall medal tally

The mixed doubles event also saw Chinese excellence, with the pair of Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha taking gold. North Korea's Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong earned a surprising silver, showcasing the depth and unpredictability in the sport. This was North Korea's sole medal in table tennis at these Games, marking a significant achievement for their athletes.

Overall, China dominated the table tennis events, winning a total of five medals, including four golds and one silver. This extraordinary performance not only maintained China's longstanding dominance in the sport but also highlighted the new generation of players ready to carry the torch forward. Sweden's two silver medals and France's two bronzes were also notable, especially for a host nation that has been working to elevate its status in this highly competitive sport.

The Paris 2024 table tennis events were a fitting stage for both the continuation of China's dominance and the emergence of new talents, setting the scene for future Olympic battles.