The table tennis arena at the Nagoya Asian Games was filled with intense drama as the men's team gold medal match between Japan and China went down to the fifth and final set. Japan emerged victorious with a thrilling 3-2 win, capturing their first Asian Games men's team title in 60 years since the 1966 Bangkok edition.

The hero of the final was undoubtedly 23-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto, who secured two critical wins, including a commanding straight-set victory (3-0) over world No. 1 Wang Chuqin.

Japan had already made history the previous day by defeating South Korea 3-0 in the semifinals, advancing to the men's team final for the first time in 44 years. Facing China—the same team that swept them 3-0 in the May World Team Table Tennis Championships—Japan achieved redemption on home soil, ascending to the top of Asia.

The opening singles match featured Japan's youngest player, 19-year-old Koki Niwa (world No. 3), against China's reigning world No. 1 star Wang Chuqin (26). Niwa started strongly, using his backhand to dominate early and take a 2-0 lead. However, Wang fought back to win three consecutive games, ultimately reversing the match 3-2—an outcome that sent shockwaves through the Japanese camp.

Wang Chuqin's earlier upset loss to Sweden's Moregard in the Round of 32 proved beneficial for Gao Chengrui. (AP)

In the second match, Japan sent out Tomokazu Harimoto (23) against China's 19-year-old rising star Wen Ruibo. After splitting the first two games 1-1, Harimoto took control and won 3-1 (11-7, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9), leveling the overall score at 1-1.

The third match saw Japan's Hoshino Shunsuke (25) face former world No. 1 Lin Shidong (21). Despite winning one game, Hoshino fell 1-3 (9-11, 11-4, 7-11, 6-11), giving China a 2-1 lead and putting Japan on the brink of defeat.

Facing elimination, Japan once again turned to Harimoto in the fourth match for a clash against Wang Chuqin. Harimoto delivered a masterclass, dominating with aggressive backhand attacks and sweeping Wang 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-9), forcing a decisive fifth match.

The final point came down to Niwa versus Wen Ruibo. Shaking off the disappointment of his earlier reverse, Niwa showcased excellent twist serves and offensive control, winning 3-1 (11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8) to secure Japan's long-awaited gold medal—their first in 60 years.

After the match, Harimoto, who scored two points, expressed overwhelming emotion: 'I'm thrilled to have won, but what matters most is that Japan surpassed China and claimed the gold. That meaning outweighs everything! I've waited over a decade for this moment—I can't even describe how happy I am!'

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: Event