Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin have written themselves into the history books, becoming the first Korean players ever to claim a title at the WTT Finals. They achieved the feat with a stunning straight-sets victory (11-9, 11-8, 11-6) over the formidable defending champions, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha.
The victory not only secured the title but also snapped Wang and Sun’s remarkable 18-month unbeaten streak in the mixed doubles circuit.
Dramatic Start Sets the Tone
The match began with Wang and Sun, known for their aggressive starts, quickly establishing a dominant 4-1 lead. However, the Korean duo refused to yield, meticulously fighting their way back into the game.
The opener rapidly evolved into a tense, nerve-shredding affair, with both pairs trading one-point leads right up until the decisive final two rallies, which ultimately fell to the challengers.
Carrying the momentum, Lim and Shin exploded into the second game, surging to a commanding 5-1 advantage and appearing set for an easy set win. The Chinese pair, however, are not champions for nothing.
They mounted a fierce resistance, bringing the score back within three points, sparked by two powerful, unexpected shots from Wang Chuqin firing from behind his partner, Sun Yingsha.
Seeing the comeback looming, Lim and Shin wisely called a timeout. Though Wang and Sun managed to string together five points across the break, it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. The Korean pair held their nerve to close out the game, putting them just one set away from a historic title.
Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin take the title with a 3-0 win over Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha! 💪
The Chinese pair pushed the first two games 9-11 and 8-11, but the Korean duo secured the victory in the end! 🏆✨#WTTHongKong #TableTennis pic.twitter.com/rkgG4YvopW
— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) December 13, 2025
Closing the Door on the Streak
Wang and Sun now needed a monumental comeback to avoid their first defeat in over 18 months, yet the third game remained tightly contested. Trailing 6-5, it was the defending champions’ turn to call a timeout, but even this tactical break proved futile against the surging confidence of their opponents.
Lim and Shin could practically taste victory. They orchestrated a powerful final run, scoring six points in quick succession to seal the 11-6 win and complete the flawless straight-sets sweep, ending the Chinese dominance and crowning themselves WTT Finals champions.
The Champions React
Speaking after the momentous victory, Lim Jonghoon praised his partner and opponents:
“Overall, I was in good condition today. I was worried that Sun Yingsha might have had to retire due to injury, but she fought well until the very end to give back to all the fans that came to watch, which I want to thank her for. I appreciate Yubin, too, for giving her all until the end, even though she wasn’t at her best physically. And I’m happy to take the victory.”
Shin Yubin highlighted the teamwork that secured the title:
“Thanks to Jonghoon’s great support, we were able to start off pretty well. With so many matches and injuries going on, I’d like to thank our opponents for fighting until the end.”
