Wang Manyu/Kuai Man Defeat Japanese Pair to Win WTT US Smash 2026 Women’s Doubles Title

LAPost | Ontario, California | July 4, 2026 — China’s Wang Manyu and Kuai Man captured the women’s doubles title at the 2026 WTT US Smash on Friday afternoon, defeating Japan’s Miwa Harimoto and Hina Hayata 3-1 in the final at the Ontario Convention Center in Southern California. The victory marked the pair’s first US Smash women’s doubles championship together and also earned Team China its first title of the tournament.

The championship match featured two of the strongest women’s doubles teams in the world. Top-seeded Wang and Kuai had dominated the competition throughout the tournament, while the Japanese pairing of Harimoto and Hayata also entered the final in outstanding form, making it one of the most anticipated matches of the event.

Both teams settled into the match quickly, engaging in intense rallies from the opening points. Wang used her consistency and high-quality backhand control to create repeated attacking opportunities for her partner, while the left-handed Kuai showcased her speed close to the table and sharp angle variations to seize several key points. The Chinese pair took the early initiative.

In the second game, the Japanese duo increased the pressure with more aggressive third-ball attacks and varied shot placement, forcing several close exchanges. Wang and Kuai responded by adjusting their rhythm, improving their serve-and-receive game, and regaining control through sustained attacks from mid-distance.

Harimoto and Hayata mounted a determined comeback in the third game. Harimoto’s quick transitions and Hayata’s powerful forehand attacks enabled Japan to claim the game and keep the match alive.

The fourth game proved decisive. Wang and Kuai dominated the serve-and-receive exchanges, gradually widened the gap midway through the game, and sealed the victory to defeat Harimoto and Hayata 3-1, claiming the 2026 WTT US Smash women’s doubles championship.

During the post-match awards ceremony, tournament officials, along with representatives from World Table Tennis (WTT) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), presented the trophies and medals to the winners. Speaking to the media afterward, both champions credited their success to the support of their coaching staff and team, while also thanking the fans for their enthusiastic encouragement throughout the tournament.

Wang said that she and Kuai continued to build their chemistry throughout the tournament despite facing challenges along the way. Constant communication and greater determination in handling key points made the difference, she said. Wang also praised the Japanese pair, describing them as a very strong team that played at a fast pace throughout the final.

Kuai described the title as an important milestone in her career. She said partnering with Wang had helped her improve not only her tactical awareness but also her mental approach in crucial moments. Facing such a formidable opponent, the pair prepared thoroughly before the match and remained committed to their game plan from start to finish.

With the women’s doubles crown, China maintained its traditional strength in doubles events at the WTT US Smash. For Wang, the championship served as a strong response following an earlier-than-expected exit from the singles competition. For Kuai, the victory continued her impressive doubles form this season and further established her as one of the Chinese national team’s brightest young talents.