
16-year-old Iranian player Benjamin Farage defeated Romanian star Edward Ionescu in the first round of men's singles qualifying
AI-generated summary
Faraj has defeated top players such as Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong in the past two years, and helped the Iranian men's team reach the quarterfinals in the Asian Games.
China News Service, Beijing, October 1 (Reporter Zhou Xin) The 2026 World Table Tennis Professional League (WTT) China Grand Slam will start in Beijing on October 1. In the first round of men's singles qualifying, 16-year-old Iranian Benjamin Farage defeated Romanian star Edward Ionescu 3:2.
In the game that day, Farage quickly got into the state and attacked fiercely, winning two consecutive games at 11:4 and 11:6. Ionescu immediately adjusted the rhythm and dragged the game into the deciding game at 12:10 and 11:9. Under pressure, Farage made decisive moves at key points, eventually sealing the victory with 11:8 and advancing to the next round of qualifying.
It is said that Faraj is the new "dark horse" in the table tennis world, and it is definitely not just based on this victory.
In the past two years in international competitions, Farage has frequently created surprises, defeating the world's top players such as Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, and breaking into the world of table tennis. At the table tennis venue of the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games not long ago, Faraj, who participated in the Asian Games for the first time, helped the Iranian men's team defeat Pakistan, India, Singapore and other teams, and successfully entered the quarterfinals of the Asian Games men's team.
"I have never been afraid of my opponent's reputation and world ranking." In an interview after the game on the 1st, Farage said that in his competitive philosophy, he will not be "coerced" by his opponent's ranking or title. In every game, he focuses on the present and goes all out to perform at his best level.
Behind becoming a "dark horse" is Farage's pure love for table tennis. Jamil Nasabi, the head coach of the Iranian team, told reporters that there are more and more children in Iran who love table tennis like Faraj.
"Table tennis is a popular sport among Iranian people, and people are very enthusiastic about participating in it. However, due to external situations and other factors, the price of professional equipment such as table tennis rackets, rubbers, and balls is high, and many families who love table tennis cannot afford it." Jamil said that even if conditions are restricted, many Iranian fans still go to various stadiums to cheer for the national team.
Jamil said: "The Chinese table tennis team's on-field style, psychological quality, training mode and other aspects are worth learning. Every time they play against Chinese players, it is a valuable opportunity for the team to improve."
In this China Grand Slam, Farage’s goal is clear and firm: one step at a time and strive to hit the main draw.
After competing in consecutive competitions, Farage said he "doesn't feel tired" and "will continue to go all out to meet every opponent."
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Farage will continue to participate in subsequent qualifying rounds to enter the main draw.
Very likely · Within days

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