China's Wang in shock defeat at WTT Champions Chongqing

Wang Chuqin (L) reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

CHONGQING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Wang Chuqin of China suffered a stunning quarterfinal loss to Japan's Sora Matsushima at the WTT Champions Chongqing table tennis tournament on Saturday.

Seventh seed Matsushima was tenacious and tactical, forcing Wang into errors at clutch moments and winning the game 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9.

"Against the world's best player, I fought really hard," said Matsushima. "I was quite clever in serves and played better backhand."

Matsushima admitted that he wasn't sure of winning even when he was leading against China's Olympic champion.

"Wang Chuqin was very resolute and able to turn the tables anytime," he said. "I couldn't lose any of concentration while facing such a powerful player."

Earlier in the day, women's world No. 1 Sun Yingsha, Wang's mixed doubles partner, was shut out by fifth-seeded compatriot Kuai Man, the highest-ranked player remaining.

China's Wang Yidi edged into the women's semifinals with a 4-3 victory over South Korea's Shin Yu-bin. The Japanese duo of Satsuki Odo and Miwa Harimoto both reached the last four, respectively beating Chen Yi and Shi Xunyao of China.

Wen Ruibo is China's sole representative in the men's semifinals. Following a 4-2 victory over Germany's Qiu Dang, Wen now faces Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan, who edged out Chinese Taipei's Lin Yun-Ju in six sets.

The last game of the day pits World Cup champion Hugo Calderano of Brazil against France's Felix Lebrun.

Wang Chuqin hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Wang Chuqin serves during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Wang Chuqin (L) shakes hands with Matsushima Sora before the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Matsushima Sora reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Wang Chuqin reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Matsushima Sora hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 in southwest China's Chongqing, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)