TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Yeh Yi-tian (葉伊恬), a 17-year-old Taiwanese table tennis prodigy, advanced to the round of 16 at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2025 on Friday (Jan. 10). Yeh secured a 3-1 victory against South Korea's Joo Cheonhui, ranked 23rd globally, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination.
Guided by veteran player Chuang Chih-yuan (莊智淵), Yeh has impressed throughout the tournament. She began her journey by defeating Thailand's Suthasini Sawettabut, ranked 63rd, in the first round. In her latest match, Yeh won the first set 11-7 and lost the second 5-11 but demonstrated resilience by taking the third and fourth sets 12-10.
Yeh's comeback in the third set was particularly remarkable. Trailing 2-7, she saved two game points and scored four consecutive points to win 12-10. Yeh overcame a 2-5 deficit in the fourth set and claimed victory with a 12-10 score despite missing one match point. Yeh's next challenge will be against China's rising star Kuai Man (蒯曼), who defeated Taiwan's seasoned player Huang Yi-hua (黃怡樺) in the first round. This upcoming match promises to be thrilling as Yeh continues her impressive run.
Chuang has competed in international table tennis tournaments for over 26 years and, once ranked as high as World No. 3. He officially applied to withdraw from the world rankings through the Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association (中華民國桌球協會). He will focus on nurturing Taiwan's next generation of table tennis stars.