Former WTT Grand Smash finalist Kuai Man produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the United States Smash 2026, saving six match points before defeating Japan’s Hitomi Sato in a gripping seven-game quarterfinal at the Ontario Convention Center.
After 97 minutes of high-intensity table tennis, Kuai emerged victorious 5-11, 11-5, 9-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-3, 18-16, booking her place in the semifinals and keeping alive her hopes of winning a maiden WTT Grand Smash crown.
Sato Pushes Kuai to the Brink
Sato entered the contest in red-hot form, having already eliminated Adriana Diaz, Wang Manyu, and Honoka Hashimoto on her impressive run to the last eight. Carrying that confidence into the quarterfinal, the Japanese defender frustrated Kuai with her trademark consistency and superb defensive play.
The strategy worked brilliantly as Sato surged into a commanding 3-1 lead, leaving the Chinese star on the verge of elimination.
Fifth Game Sparks the Comeback
The momentum shifted dramatically in the fifth game when Sato earned two match points at 10-8. Kuai responded under immense pressure with a delicate drop shot to save the first before capitalising on an error from Sato to level the score. She completed the turnaround to claim the game and extend the match.
Buoyed by the escape, Kuai dominated the sixth game to level the contest at 3-3 and force a deciding seventh game.
Dramatic Decider Goes Down to the Wire
The final game delivered even more drama. Kuai looked set for victory after opening a 10-6 lead, but Sato staged another remarkable comeback, saving all four match points.
The Japanese star then created four match points of her own, adding to the two she had squandered earlier in the fifth game. However, Kuai refused to surrender, holding her nerve in the closing stages before finally sealing an unforgettable 18-16 victory in the decider.
The epic encounter lasted 140 points, making it one of the standout matches of the tournament.
Kuai Reflects on Mental Battle
Following the victory, Kuai admitted the contest tested both her skill and composure.
“I’m so happy to survive this battle. It was a match full of momentum swings from beginning to end. I became too conservative when I led 10-6 in the final game, but fortunately I was able to reset mentally at 16-16 and finish the match with confidence,” she said.
Semifinal Clash Awaits
Having escaped one of the toughest tests of the tournament, the Singapore Smash 2025 runner-up now stands just two victories away from capturing her first WTT Grand Smash title.
Her next challenge will be another stern one as she faces 18-year-old Japanese sensation Miwa Harimoto in the semifinals.
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