Macao: The group stage of the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026, presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group, has concluded, with the knockout rounds set to get underway today at the Galaxy Arena in Macao, China.
After three days of high-intensity action marked by impressive debuts, dramatic comebacks and unexpected results, the field has been narrowed to 16 of the world’s top men’s and women’s singles players. The battle for the prestigious Evans and Hammarlund Cups now moves into a decisive phase during the ITTF’s centenary year.
In the women’s draw, Egypt’s rising star Hana Goda delivered one of the standout performances of the group stage, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching 3-0 on Day 3 to secure her maiden main draw appearance. The 19-year-old is now the only African player remaining in the competition.
Germany’s Sabine Winter also marked a notable return, reaching the knockout stage for the first time in a decade since her last main draw appearance in 2016. Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Sun Yingsha progressed comfortably and will be aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive ITTF Women’s World Cup titles.
The men’s competition has been equally eventful. Argentina’s Horacio Cifuentes produced a major upset by defeating China’s Liang Jingkun in five games. Former champion Dimitrij Ovtcharov followed up with a remarkable comeback victory over Liang, recovering from 0-2 down and saving a match point to secure his place in the knockout stage.
France’s Thibault Poret impressed on debut, saving a match point to overcome Benedikt Duda and advance. Reigning champion Hugo Calderano also progressed after a hard-fought win over Kristian Karlsson, while France’s Felix Lebrun and world number one Wang Chuqin both secured their places in the Round of 16.
The knockout stage promises several high-profile encounters. In the men’s draw, Wang faces Lebrun in a headline clash, with the Chinese star holding a 6-0 head-to-head advantage, although Lebrun arrives in strong form. Calderano will take on Japan’s Shunsuke Togami, while Ovtcharov meets Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic. Young debutant Wen Ruibo faces Lin Yun-Ju in another intriguing contest.
In the women’s Round of 16, Sun begins her title defence against last year’s finalist Kuai Man in a repeat of the 2025 final. Chen Xingtong will meet Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz in a clash of unbeaten players. Veteran Han Ying takes on Korea’s Shin Yubin, while Goda faces France’s Jia Nan Yuan in one of the most anticipated ties.
With the stakes rising and the competition intensifying, the race for the World Cup titles is set to deliver more thrilling action in Macao.
