The anticipation is building as the qualified players for the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup take shape. While just the host association wildcards yet to be revealed, the lineup* promises an electrifying tournament in Macao, China from 14-21 April.
Women’s Singles: World number 1, Sun Yingsha returns as the defending champion, looking to maintain her momentum from the 2024 title. The reigning champion will need to stay at her best to hold off a competitive field of rising stars and experienced players. Wang Manyu, who defeated Sun in the Asian Cup final last month to secure her Macao spot, presents a significant challenge. Joining her are players like Hana Goda, who claimed her spot by winning the ITTF- African Cup last month, Hina Hayata from Japan, Bernadette Szocs from Romania, and Adriana Díaz from Puerto Rico, all eager to make their mark in the tournament.
Men’s Singles: The men’s competition promises an equally exciting battle for the title. Wang Chuqin is looking to win his first World Cup title, coming into the tournament fresh from his win at the WTT Champions Chongqing. World number one Lin Shidong who took home the Singapore Smash 2025 trophy, stands as a formidable competitor. Joining these two are stars from across the globe, including stars like Felix Lebrun, Hugo Calderano, and Tomokazu Harimoto. Omar Assar, fresh from his African Cup victory, and Nicholas Lum flying the Australian flag high after winning the Oceania Cup, add further depth and showcase the diverse group players set to take the stage in Macao.
After its triumphant return in 2024, this year’s event is ready to turn up the intensity at the Galaxy Arena. The World Cup promises a unique two-stage format. In Stage 1, players will be divided into 16 groups of three, with each player facing the others in a round-robin format. Seeding will be based on the world rankings as of 8 April 2025, with the highest-ranked players strategically placed to ensure maximum competitive intensity.
The top performer from each group will advance to Stage 2, a knockout draw that promises high-stakes drama. The draw will see group winners positioned across the bracket to create the most compelling potential matchups. Each match in Stage 1 will be four games long, with Stage 2 elevating the drama to best-of-seven games. The final ranking will be determined by an intricate system considering wins, game ratios, and point differentials – ensuring that only the most consistent and skilled players rise to the top.
The tournament continues the legacy of the Evans Cup for men and the Hammarlund Cup for women, trophies that symbolise the pinnacle of human skill, determination, and the global spirit of table tennis. As the world’s best players prepare to converge in Macao, the excitement continues to build.
*As of 16 March 2025 – Pending Host Association Wildcards.
