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It was on October 4th, at the quarterfinals of the 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan that Benyamin Faraji, a 14-year-old Iranian player, faced Wang Chuqin, the reigning world number one and Olympic champion. What unfolded was a breathtaking five-game thriller that ended with Faraji claiming an improbable victory, sending shockwaves through the table tennis world​

From the opening exchanges, it was clear that Faraji had come prepared. His tactical awareness was evident as he used sharp variations in spin, pace, and placement to disrupt Wang’s rhythm. Faraji alternated between high-arc loops loaded with spin and quick, flat drives that left Wang struggling to adjust his timing.

Wang’s usual dominance in the forehand rallies was neutralized by Faraji’s ability to mix deceptive chops with sudden topspins, forcing Wang into errors. Faraji’s controlled aggression on the backhand further compounded Wang’s problems, with blocks that absorbed pace and counter-drives that kept Wang pinned in awkward positions​

The Turning Point

As the match progressed into the deciding fifth game, Faraji’s confidence grew. Wang, known for his mental resilience, appeared unusually tense, possibly due to recent high-profile losses. Earlier in the year, Wang faced another upset at the WTT Champions Macao, where he struggled against players ranked below him. These defeats might have chipped away at his invincible aura and played on his mind as Faraji continually pressured him​

Faraji capitalized on Wang’s hesitation, particularly in pivotal moments. One standout sequence saw Faraji execute a sequence of high-arc serves followed by sudden flicks, catching Wang off guard and earning critical points.

Faraji’s poise was as impressive as his skill. Where Wang typically intimidates opponents with his sheer speed and power, the teenager remained composed, reading Wang’s serves with surprising accuracy and returning them with pinpoint precision. Each point Faraji won drew louder cheers from the crowd, fueling his momentum​

In the final rally, Faraji delivered a blistering down-the-line forehand that Wang could only watch sail past. It was the culmination of a fearless performance, marking one of the greatest upsets in recent table tennis history.

Reflecting on Wang Chuqin’s Recent Struggles

Wang’s defeat to Faraji wasn’t an isolated incident. In addition to his loss in Macao earlier this year, Wang had shown signs of inconsistency in recent tournaments. The pressure of maintaining the top spot in the world rankings, combined with mounting expectations, seemed to affect his focus. His uncharacteristic errors against Faraji, especially on seemingly routine returns, highlighted how psychological factors might have impacted his performance​

For Wang Chuqin, this match serves as a stark reminder of the evolving competitiveness of modern table tennis, where young talents like Faraji are pushing boundaries. For Faraji, it’s the beginning of a journey that promises greatness. As he celebrated his victory, the message was clear: even the best can be beaten, and the next generation is hard at work.

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Benyamin Faraji’s equipment

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