**World Table Tennis Championships: Chinese Teams Defend Their Crowns**
At the recently concluded 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships in London, the Chinese women’s team successfully defended the Corbillon Cup, securing their seventh consecutive world team title, while the men’s team claimed their 12th straight Swaythling Cup victory and 24th overall, both defending the honor of Chinese table tennis.
In the men’s final, China swept Japan 3-0. The first match saw Liang Jingkun come from two sets down (8-11, 4-11) to beat Tomokazu Harimoto 3-2 (11-9, 13-11, 11-8), with a stunning eight-point run in the decisive set after trailing 3-8. Wang Chuqin then defeated Hiroto Shinozuka 3-1 (8-11, 12-10, 11-2, 11-9), and Lin Shidong sealed the win with a 3-1 (11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9) victory over Shunsuke Togami. Wang Chuqin was named the tournament’s best male player after going 10-0 in singles, including three matches where he contributed two points. May 11 was his 26th birthday, making the title a perfect gift.
Liang Jingkun, the hero of the final, told media: “I’m still a bit in shock. From yesterday to today, in such crucial matches, I went 0-2 down twice… I’m grateful I never gave up. That gave me a chance at rebirth.” Former star Zhang Jike commented during a livestream that Liang’s slow start is typical, but once he gets going, his quality and spin become overwhelming.
**Women’s Team: Sun Yingsha Leads Dramatic Comeback**
On May 10, the Chinese women’s team defeated Japan 3-2 in a thrilling final to win their seventh consecutive title. Sun Yingsha contributed two points and was named the tournament’s best female player after going 9-0 overall. She said: “This final was full of ups and downs. Japan’s overall level has improved significantly. Wang Manyu held her nerve in the fifth match. This victory belongs to every member of the team.”
Wang Manyu lost her opening match 2-3 to Miwa Harimoto, her first defeat in 12 meetings, and Kuai Man also fell 1-3 to Honoka Hashimoto. But Sun Yingsha’s two wins kept China alive, and Wang Manyu redeemed herself by winning the decisive fifth match. “I wanted to make up for my earlier loss,” Wang said. “Shasha gave me this chance.”
**Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 2-0 to Win La Liga Title**
On May 11, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at home in matchday 35 of La Liga, clinching the league title with three games to spare. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a free kick in the 9th minute, and Ferran Torres doubled the lead in the 18th minute after an assist from Dani Olmo. Barcelona dominated, outshooting Real Madrid 7-1 on target, and the win marked the first time in history that Barcelona secured the title immediately after a Clásico. Coach Hansi Flick has now won six of his seven Clásicos, trailing only Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff (nine wins each). He has also won league titles in both of his first two seasons at the club.
Flick, whose father passed away shortly before the match, was lifted by his players in celebration. Pedri said: “We wanted to win this for the coach. He lost his father, so this title is for him and his father.” Lionel Messi also congratulated Barcelona on social media, posting a photo of the club’s title poster with the caption: “Champions! Long live Barcelona!”
**Arsenal Edge West Ham 1-0; Title Hopes Boosted**
On May 10, Arsenal beat West Ham United 1-0 away in the Premier League, with Leandro Trossard scoring the only goal in the 83rd minute. The match featured a lengthy stoppage time, and West Ham thought they had equalized in the 99th minute through a strike by Wilson, but VAR ruled it out due to a foul by Pablo. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was named man of the match for his crucial save from a one-on-one chance by Fernandes. Raya has kept 18 clean sheets in 36 league games this season, four more than Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal now lead second-placed Manchester City by five points, though City have a game in hand. According to data company OPTA, Arsenal’s title probability has risen to 87.2%. The Gunners have now won 42 matches across all competitions this season, a new club record. Their remaining fixtures are against already-relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace, while City face Bournemouth, who are on a 16-match unbeaten run, and Aston Villa, who are fighting for a Champions League spot.
**EDG Win VCT CN League Split 1, Qualify for London Masters**
On May 10, EDG defeated XLG 3-2 in the grand final of the VCT CN League Split 1 in Beijing, claiming their first title in 470 days. EDG will join XLG and DRG at the 2026 Valorant Masters in London. EDG’s Smoggy was named Finals MVP. The final was a tightly contested series: XLG won map one 13-6, EDG took map two 15-13 in overtime, EDG won map three 13-5, XLG forced a decider with a 13-7 win on map four, and EDG closed out map five 13-4.
Before the final, a celebrity exhibition match featuring Wang Junkai entertained the crowd.
