[Archive] World Championship, a champion’s monologue. Wang Liqin: “You must not let confidence turn into overconfidence. Confidence and overconfidence are only a sheet of paper apart.”

2005 World Championships, Shanghai.
Victory in my hometown of Shanghai. Winning the title while battling heavy pressure. Wang Liqin’s triumph gave China its 100th gold medal in the history of the World Championships.

The long, unbroken trail of glory in Chinese table tennis. Feeling the weight of that legacy and making that shining tradition his own pride, Wang Liqin once again stood at the summit of the world. After making his world debut in 1997,

following in the footsteps of great seniors like Liu Guoliang and Kong Linghui, Wang Liqin, truly China’s leading figure, held the winner’s cup aloft.
＜2025＞

Wang Liqin●Wang Liqin 　

Born June 18, 1978, in Shanghai, China. Won the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals in 1998, 2000, and 2004; won the men’s Dobles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics; won the men’s Singles at the 2001 World Championships; won the men’s Singles at the 2002 Asian Games; won the men’s Dobles at the 2003 World Championships; won a bronze medal in Singles at the 2004 Athens Olympics; won the men’s Singles at the 2005 World Championships. World ranking No. 1 in June 2005

“The biggest driving force is the country, coaches, teammates, and practice partners who have nurtured me to where I am today.”

The men’s Singles Final turned into a fierce exchange of power between Wang Liqin and Ma Lin. Even in a Final between two Chinese players, it was only natural that the hometown crowd would cheer more for Wang Liqin, who was born in Shanghai. At the end, the moment Wang Liqin sealed the title, he raised his left hand high. In response to the many spectators shouting, “Wang Liqin!”, he showed a soft expression, freed from pressure.

For the Chinese team, Wang Liqin’s men’s Singles victory marked a memorable 100th gold medal at the World Championships since their first appearance in 1953. Wang Liqin’s smile may have reflected the relief of having upheld the proud tradition passed down by those before him.

At the press conference immediately after his victory, Wang Liqin opened with: “I’m happy with the result of this Match. My next goal is to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and win a medal.” In response to the question, “What if Maze had been in the Final?”, Wang Liqin said, “He beat two Chinese players, but I was confident too. If I played him, I would definitely win.”

Regarding the Final, he said, “Ma Lin and I are teammates, and we know each other very well. In practice Matches, we win some and lose some. There are no secrets when it comes to each other’s skills and characteristics. In other words, in the Final, the one who sticks to his own plan wins. Game 4 was the key. If I had lost that game, it would have been dangerous. What I did well this time was stay calm, fight point by point, and take this Final in one go. Before, I had problems on the mental side.

“Over the past two years, through my own reflection and the coach’s help, I think I’ve grown as a person and overcome my weaknesses. Even if there are various outside evaluations of me, I try not to let them bother me too much. I know exactly what my own issues are,” he added.

About the bench work of head coach Liu Guoliang for the men’s team, Wang Liqin explained: “I think Liu Guoliang’s training and management are excellent. He understands the mental side of the players very well. He held meetings every day and communicated fully with the players.”

“You must not get so caught up in the result that you neglect the effort. I thought I had to do everything I could.”