Kao Cheng-jui stuns world No. 5 at Singapore Smash

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kao Cheng-jui (高承睿), a Taiwanese table tennis player, achieved a significant victory on Tuesday (Feb. 4) at the 2025 Singapore Smash, advancing to the round of 16 after defeating world No. 5 Felix Lebrun from France.

Kao, 20, ranked 24th globally, marked his first triumph against Lebrun, achieving his best performance at this level.

Kao displayed remarkable resilience, overturning a 4-11, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9 scoreline to secure the win. He initiated his comeback in the second game, strategically calling a timeout to regain composure and launch a decisive offensive. Despite Lebrun's brief resurgence in the third game, Kao capitalized on his opponent's errors in the fourth to level the match.

In the decisive fifth game, Kao overcame an 8-3 deficit, scoring five consecutive points to tie the game. He clinched victory by scoring three more points after trailing 8-9.

Post-match, Kao expressed joy at the result, stating that he had no pressure in this match and had just played his game.

Kao's next challenge in the round of 16 will be against Jang Woojin, who is ranked 13th in the world. The two previously met in the round of 16 at last year's ITTF-Asian Table Tennis Championships, where Kao emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.