Congratulations! China’s 21-Year-Old, 1.80m Women’s Table Tennis Ace Advances — The “New Wang Manyu” Stages a Brilliant Comeback Victory

She is currently the tallest player on China’s women’s table tennis team, standing at an impressive 1.80 meters. At just 21 years old, Chen Yi has earned the nickname “the new Wang Manyu” thanks to her long reach, powerful wingspan, and exceptional court coverage. Since the Paris Olympics, she has clearly entered a new phase of growth—and after a standout 2025, she has started 2026 with strong momentum as well.

In the first round of the 2026 WTT Doha Champions, Chen Yi faced Brazil’s well-known competitor Bruna Takahashi. Chen began the match a bit slowly. In the opening game, she fell 6–11, with unforced errors creeping in and her attacking play looking slightly hesitant—an approach that can be punished at this level.

From the second game onward, Chen raised her intensity and took control of the rallies with a more decisive mindset. She won game two 11–4, showing sharper initiative and a more aggressive edge.

That momentum carried into game three, where she maintained her rhythm and once again claimed an 11–4 victory, putting herself within one game of the match.

Game four was the real test. Takahashi fought back fiercely, building a 9–5 lead and pushing Chen into a pressure situation. This was where Chen’s composure and all-around ability stood out. She steadied herself, played with greater clarity, and scored five straight points to turn the game around and take a 10–9 lead.

Takahashi saved one match point to level it at 10–10, but Chen responded immediately—winning the next two points to close out the game 12–10 and the match 3–1 overall.

After the match, Chen was candid in her assessment of her performance, saying she wasn’t fully satisfied and felt she played a little too conservatively. She noted that she should have been more expressive and decisive, admitting that she held back on some shots. At the same time, she viewed it as a normal first-match adjustment—and even a helpful reminder to improve as the tournament continues.

Looking ahead to 2026, Chen kept her goals grounded and focused: she hopes to stay steady, take things step by step, and keep building.

Next, Chen will face Han Ying in the Round of 16. Chen currently sits at world No. 8, ranking sixth among China’s women’s players—behind Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, Kuai Man, Chen Xingtong, and Wang Yidi.

Takahashi herself is not a small player at 1.70 meters, yet when the two walked side by side, Chen still stood noticeably taller—highlighting just how rare Chen’s physical profile is in women’s table tennis.

With her size, reach, and growing confidence, expectations are rising. If Chen continues this upward trajectory through 2026, she has every chance to keep evolving—and to push toward becoming a consistent, long-term force in China’s women’s lineup.