Team Portugal returns to Chengdu, with both the men’s and women’s sides making it to the quarterfinals at last year’s ITTF World Team Championships. This year, the Portuguese women’s team arrives with momentum, securing bronze medals at the European Games in June and the European Teams Championships in September. Led by World No.60 Fu Yu, they aim to guide Portugal’s mixed team to new heights.

On the men’s side, four rising star players aged between 15 and 21 years old will embark on the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup filled with hope.

TEAM PORTUGAL (#8 seed)

Fu YU (World No.60)
At 45, Fu Yu will leverage her extensive experience to benefit the entire team. A two-time Olympian representing Portugal, she claimed the women’s singles champion at the 2019 European Games and is a five-time medallist at the European Championships. She showcased good form by reaching the quarterfinals in WTT Star Contender Goa earlier this season.

Ines MATOS (World No.275)
The 19-year-old Matos is a rising star for Team Portugal, making it to the final of WTT Youth Contender Vila Real 2023 in U19 women’s singles. She secured two third-place finishes in the European Teams Championships in 2021 and 2023.

Matilde PINTO (World No.322)
At 17, the left-hander Matilde Pinto has already tasted victory, winning the mixed doubles title at WTT Youth Contender Vila Real 2023. She was also part of the team that secured third place at the European Teams Championships in 2023.

Rafael KONG (World No.695)
Born in 2006, Rafael Kong showcased his potential at an early age, clinching singles and doubles titles at the Portugal National Championships Children’s Division in 2018. Recently, he reached the quarterfinals in WTT Youth Star Contender Vila Nova de Gaia 2023 and represented the senior team Portugal for the first time in WTT Feeder.

Tiago ABIODUN (World No.719)
At 15, the left-hander Tiago Abiodun is the youngest player on Team Portugal. Sweeping the WTT Youth U15 series, he claimed titles in men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and men’s singles in various events.

Tiago LI (World No.882)
The 21-year-old Tiago Li showcased his prowess by clinching the boy’s singles title at the 2017 Hong Kong Junior & Cadet Open. He aims to realise his full potential on the big stage in Chengdu.

Goncalo GOMES (World No.941)
Born in 2002, Goncalo Gomes made his debut in the WTT Senior Series last week, pairing with Ines Matos in Mixed Doubles at WTT Feeder Vila Nova de Gaia 2023. He looks forward to showcasing his talent in the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup.

*Rankings according to latest on 28/11/2023