Wang Manyu defeats Kuai Man to defend women's singles title at WTT Finals

Wang Manyu beat Chinese compatriot Kuai Man in six games on Sunday, retaining the women's singles title at the WTT Finals in the Hong Kong SAR.

After the defending champion Wang took the opener 11-7, the 21-year-old Kuai, who is the second-youngest women's singles finalist at this event, fought back from an 8-3 deficit to grab the second game 11-8. Wang, who had won seven WTT Series titles, then displayed her experience as she claimed the next two games by identical 11-8 margins.

Kuai reached the women's singles final at the Singapore Smash at the start of the season, and she showcased some of that same form in this final, en route to putting away the fifth game 11-9.

But Wang found her way back in the sixth frame, as the world number two earned two championship points when Kuai hit long. The 26-year-old then needed a third match point to wrap up the contest, before closing out the proceedings 12-10 to defend her title. She paid tribute to her younger compatriot after the match, for her role in giving the fans an exciting final.

"During the match, although I took the lead twice, Kuai Man fought back and leveled the score each time." said Wang. "She showed great tenacity and resilience when she was behind, creating quite a few difficulties for me. Toward the end of the match, in the sixth game, I led 10-8, and she won the next points with some fantastic shots. But I stayed determined and never doubted myself, which I believe was something I did very well."