On January 8, 2025, the WTT Doha Star Challenge continued, and the young generation of the national table tennis team achieved a great victory. Following Chen Yi's advancement in the women's singles, Chen Yuanyu also advanced to the round of 32 in the men's singles. This 19-year-old rising star performed outstandingly, reversing Portuguese veteran Freitas with a score of 3-1, bringing new good news.
In the men's singles 1/32 final, 19-year-old Chen Yuanyu took the stage against Portuguese player Freitas. The latter is a well-known figure in European table tennis with rich experience in major competitions. He often has intense exchanges with players like Moregaard, Ochsenberg, and the Lubrun brothers, and never presents a one-sided situation. Additionally, he frequently interacts with the national table tennis team members, so for Chen Yuanyu, this men's singles foreign match posed quite a challenge.
Chen Yuanyu is a key newcomer cultivated by the national table tennis team. This 19-year-old rising star has great potential. He performed well in the recent Super League, helping his team achieve a commendable third-place finish, leaving a deep impression on many fans. Besides facing Freitas in the men's singles, Chen Yuanyu also has a mixed doubles partner in Chen Yi. From the arrangements made by the coaching staff, it seems they are trying to let everyone participate in multiple events, play more foreign matches to accumulate experience, and continuously improve themselves.
After the start of the game, in the first set, Chen Yuanyu appeared somewhat nervous, missing his opportunities and making unnecessary mistakes. Both sides engaged in multiple mid-to-long-range rallies, with Freitas having a higher quality of shots. Chen Yuanyu's advantage lies in the first three boards, but hard fighting with Freitas was too disadvantageous. There were no significant changes in rhythm, and the serve placement was also very simple, giving the impression of insufficient preparation. Freitas took the lead comprehensively and won the first set with an 11-8 score.
In the second set, Chen Yuanyu showed flexibility and variety, making it difficult for Freitas to maintain his position and actively exert force. He tried to entangle with the opponent in the first three boards to avoid mid-to-long-range rallies. Freitas, who was leading 9-6, was reversed, with Chen Yuanyu scoring five consecutive points to win the set 11-9. In the third set, Chen Yuanyu capitalized on the momentum, while Freitas, affected by the previous set, became mentally unstable. Chen Yuanyu led 6-0 and subsequently won another set with an 11-6 score.
In the fourth set, Freitas stabilized his position, but Chen Yuanyu was not to be outdone. They played many high-quality rallies, with Chen Yuanyu having the upper hand in the first three boards. He used changes in receiving serves to disrupt his opponent, making Freitas feel awkward and struggle to counterattack. Chen Yuanyu seized the opportunity and sealed the victory with an 11-7 score, ultimately reversing Freitas 3-1. From being 0-1 down to winning 3-1, Chen Yuanyu turned the tide by winning three sets in a row, which is worthy of recognition in this foreign match.
First, there was 20-year-old Chen Yi eliminating Du Kaiqin, followed by 19-year-old Chen Yuanyu defeating Freitas. These young players from the national table tennis team have performed well, making people happy. Freitas and Du Kaiqin are by no means ordinary opponents. It is hoped that everyone will continue to work hard and constantly surpass themselves in the future.