Stunning comeback! Team Guangdong grabs the Mixed Doubles crown at China's 15th National Games

On the evening of November 14, the Table Tennis Mixed Doubles final at China's 15th National Games delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the tournament, as Team Guangdong achieved a dramatic comeback to seize the gold medal. Held in Macao, this historic edition of the National Games marks the first time the event has taken place across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, giving tonight's victory an even deeper sense of regional pride.

The championship match featured two powerhouse duos: Guangdong against Jiangsu. Unlike international competitions such as the Olympics or World Championships, athletes at the National Games do not compete for national teams, they compete for their home provinces. This structure creates a uniquely passionate atmosphere, where every point becomes a fight for regional honor.

Representing Guangdong was the celebrated pairing of Lin Gaoyuan and Liu Shiwen, a team known to Chinese fans as "Poetry and the Faraway" — a phrase symbolizing dreams, hope, and the pursuit of something greater. Their elegant synergy on the court has inspired many, including fans in the stands who chanted Guangdong's signature cheers throughout the match.

The final was anything but easy for the Guangdong team. Lin Gaoyuan revealed that both the semifinal and final began with the pair falling behind. "The most valuable part was that even when trailing, we tried every possible way to fight point by point," he said, emphasizing how this match embodied the spirit of never giving up.

For Liu Shiwen, a veteran player competing in her sixth National Games, the night carried emotional significance. She shared that the opportunity to compete on home soil in the Greater Bay Area gave her the strength to continue her athletic journey. "I really wanted to represent Guangdong again and give back to the team that cultivated me," she said.

After an hour of intense rallies and unyielding determination, Team Guangdong secured the gold medal, marking the first table tennis gold of the adult category at this year's Games.

As the cheers echoed through the Macao venue, one message resonated beyond sports—the reminder to keep pursuing one's own "poetry and the faraway."

Reporter: Li Fangwang

Video & Poster: Li Fangwang

Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He

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