Chinese athletes grab two more golds at 2025 World University Games

Zhao Shang of China defeated Huang Yu-jie of Chinese Taipei in straight games 11-8, 11-9, 13-11, 11-5 in the women's singles final in table tennis at the 2025 Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Summer World University Games in Essen, Germany, on Thursday.

Zhao displayed great control of pace during the match. With the first frame tied at 4-4, she scored five straight points to build a safe lead, before putting it away 11-8. The second game remained close from 5-5 through 9-9, until Zhao capitalized on two mistakes by her opponent to claim the frame and double her advantage.

Huang worked hard in an effort to pull one back in the third game, which saw neither player go in front by more than three points. But after the score was knotted at 11-11, Zhao rattled off two points in a row to close out the frame, taking a 3-0 edge in the contest.

Zhao left Huang with no chance to come back in the fourth game, sealing the deal 11-5 to claim the gold medal.

In the day's track and field events in Bochum, China's Shu Heng claimed the men's long jump gold medal with a top effort of 8.09 meters. Two years ago, at the World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, he landed a best attempt of 7.82 meters and finished in fourth place.

He wasn't in his best form after his first three attempts in Germany, as an early peak performance of 7.82 meters left him ranked fourth again.

Shu surpassed eight meters to reach 8.07 on his fourth effort, however, immediately rising to first place. And in the end, he topped the podium with a high mark of 8.09 meters to secure China's first title in athletics at this year's Universiade.

Koki Fujihara of Japan earned the silver medal at 8.00 meters, while the bronze went to the host nation's Luka Herden, who finished at 7.96 meters.

China currently rank second in the medal table with 21 gold, 21 silver, and seven bronze medals.