WTT China Open 2026: Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin’s Training Camp Absence Sparks Debate Over Team China’s Preparation
BEIJING — As the WTT China Open approaches, Team China’s preparations for what is traditionally one of the most competitive tournaments on the World Tour have come under scrutiny. With Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin remaining in the national training camp while other top players participate in the China Open’s team event, questions are being raised about the tactical decisions behind their absence and what it means for the team’s performance in the individual competitions.
The situation has sparked online discussions, with some fans and analysts suggesting the absence could be a strategic move to preserve the stars for the individual events. However, without official confirmation from the China Table Tennis Association (CTTA) or the players themselves, the narrative remains speculative. What is clear is that the stakes could not be higher for Team China as they look to reclaim their dominance in the sport.
Why the Absence of Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin Matters
Sun Yingsha, the 2021 World Champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist, and Wang Chuqin, the 2023 World Junior Champion and rising star, are two of the most decorated players in Chinese table tennis history. Their absence from the team event—where China is expected to compete for the team title—has led to speculation about the CTTA’s long-term strategy.
Historically, China has dominated team events, but the World Tour Team (WTT) format has introduced new challenges. The team event at the China Open is part of a series of competitions where teams earn points toward the WTT Team Rankings, which will determine qualification for the WTT Contender Series and ultimately the WTT Champions in 2027.
Key context: The China Open is the second stop of the 2026 WTT Feeder Series, and the team event is scheduled to take place from June 10–12, 2026, at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium. The individual competitions (singles and doubles) follow from June 13–15.
What we know:
- Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin are confirmed to be in the national training camp in Shandong Province.
- Other top players, including Fan Zhendong and Ma Long, are participating in the team event.
- The CTTA has not issued a public statement explaining the absence.
- The team event will feature 16 teams, including powerhouses like Japan, Germany, and South Korea.
The Strategic Debate: Team Event vs. Individual Dominance
The decision to keep Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin out of the team event is not unprecedented. In recent years, top Chinese players have occasionally been held back from team competitions to ensure their peak form for individual tournaments, particularly those with higher prize money or greater prestige.
However, the move has drawn criticism from some quarters. Fan Zhendong, who is participating in the team event, has been vocal in the past about the importance of team unity. In a 2025 interview with China Sports Daily, he emphasized that team events are crucial for developing chemistry and experience among younger players.
“Team events are not just about winning medals. They are about the growth of the team as a whole. When the best players are always held back, it creates a gap that younger players have to fill on their own.”
Fan Zhendong, China Sports Daily, May 2025
Analysts also point out that the WTT Team Rankings are becoming increasingly important. Teams that perform well in these events earn points that can secure their spots in the WTT Contender Series, which serves as a qualifying pathway for the WTT Champions. Missing key events like the China Open team competition could impact China’s overall standings.
What’s at Stake for Team China
The China Open is not just another tournament—it is a homecoming event with immense national pride on the line. For Team China, the team event is an opportunity to demonstrate their depth and readiness for the 2026 Asian Games, where table tennis will be a major focus.
Without Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin, the team will rely on players like Xu Xin, Wang Manyu, and Chen Xingtong to deliver. Their performance will be closely watched as indicators of whether China can maintain its traditional dominance in team competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Individual vs. Team Balance: The CTTA’s decision reflects a broader strategy of prioritizing individual success, but risks weakening team cohesion.
- Rankings Implications: Poor performance in the team event could affect China’s WTT Team Rankings, potentially limiting their options for the 2027 WTT Champions.
- Asian Games Preparation: The China Open team event serves as a dry run for the 2026 Asian Games, where China will be defending its title.
- Fan and Media Reaction: The absence has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the long-term sustainability of China’s “star power” approach.
- Next Checkpoint: The individual competitions (singles and doubles) begin June 13, 2026, where Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin are expected to compete.
What to Watch in the Coming Days
As the team event unfolds, here are the key storylines to follow:
- Team Chemistry: How will the absence of Sun and Wang impact the team’s performance? Will the younger players step up, or will the team struggle without its stars?
- Coaching Adjustments: Will the CTTA make last-minute tactical changes to compensate for the missing players?
- Individual Preparations: How are Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin using their time in training camp to prepare for their individual events?
- Rival Teams’ Reactions: Japan and South Korea will be watching closely—will they use this as an opportunity to make a statement?
How to Follow the WTT China Open
The WTT China Open will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including:
- Official WTT Broadcast: Available on WTT’s official website and through DAZN in select regions.
- Chinese Broadcast: CCTV-5 and China Table Tennis Association’s official WeChat channel will provide coverage in Chinese.
- Social Media: Follow #WTTChinaOpen and #TeamChina on X (Twitter), Weibo, and Instagram for real-time updates.
