Kuai Man stages comeback to advance to round of 16 at WTT Champions Incheon

China's Kuai Man outclassed India's Sreeja Akula in a thrilling five-game match to reach the round of 16 at the WTT Champions Incheon. Kuai faced a challenging start, allowing Akula to seize the first game 11-9, after the World No. 7 failed to return a forehand.

In the second, Kuai found her footing, reaching game point and closing the door 11-9 when Akula missed a shot, leveling the match. The third game saw Akula sprint to a 3-0 lead with a powerful forehand winner, ultimately wrapping it up 11-7.

Kuai shook off her earlier sluggishness to dominate the fourth game, however, racing to a 9-0 lead. Although Akula managed to score five points, Kuai closed it out 11-5, forcing a decisive fifth game. In the decider, Kuai displayed her strength and focus, winning decisively 11-2 after Akula's forehand sailed long, completing her comeback and advancing to the next round.

On the men's side, Xiang Peng defeated local favorite Jang Woo-jin and breaking the hearts of the home crowd. Xiang took the first game 11-8, but Jang quickly equalized by the same score. The third game was a spectacle, as both players dazzled the audience with intense rallies. South Korea's Jang took a 3-1 lead, capitalizing on a wide shot from Xiang, but China's World No. 23 rallied to claim the game 13-11.

On match point, Xiang executed a powerful forehand into the corner, sealing the game 11-9 and securing a 3-1 victory in the match. His next opponent will be either Brazil's Hugo Calderano or South Korea's An Jae-hyun.