Sweden’s quest for glory at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London ended in heartbreak after Chinese Taipei produced a sensational comeback performance to stun the tournament favourites in a thrilling 3-2 quarterfinal showdown at the OVO Arena Wembley.
Heading into the clash, Sweden looked untouchable. The European giants had cruised through Group 1 with a perfect record, defeating every opponent in dominant fashion. Their biggest statement came against defending champions China, a victory that instantly turned them into serious title favourites. With convincing wins over Hungary and Croatia as well, many fans believed Sweden’s path to a sixth Men’s Team world title was finally opening up.
But under the bright lights in London, Chinese Taipei tore up the script and delivered one of the biggest shocks of the championship.
The night began with pure intensity as Lin Yun-Ju stepped up against Swedish superstar Truls Moregard. Known for his calm personality and deadly precision, Lin played with incredible confidence from the very first point. The Chinese Taipei ace controlled the rallies, frustrated Moregard with his lightning-fast reactions, and sealed a stunning straight-games victory. Suddenly, the pressure was on Sweden.
What happened next shocked the entire arena even more. Seventeen-year-old sensation Kuo Guan-Hong produced the performance of his young career against Anton Kallberg. After dropping the opening game, the fearless teenager fought back with incredible composure and energy, eventually completing a dramatic comeback victory. The upset pushed Sweden to the edge of elimination, leaving the crowd in disbelief.
With their tournament hopes fading fast, Sweden desperately needed a response — and Elias Ranefur answered the call. The World No. 70 once again proved why he has become one of the team’s most reliable performers. After losing the first game, Ranefur completely flipped the momentum with aggressive attacking play and sharp shot-making to defeat Feng Yi-Hsin in four games. His victory breathed life back into the Swedish camp and reignited belief among their supporters.
The pressure then shifted back onto Truls Moregard, and the Swedish star responded brilliantly. Facing the young Kuo Guan-Hong, Moregard showed his experience and class, winning in straight games to level the tie at 2-2. At that moment, it felt like Sweden had escaped disaster and was ready to complete the comeback.
But Chinese Taipei had one final surprise left.
In the decisive match, Lin Yun-Ju returned to the table with ice in his veins and complete control of the moment. Anton Kallberg had no answers for Lin’s precision, speed, and relentless attacking play. Point after point, the Chinese Taipei star dominated the exchanges, eventually sealing another straight-games victory to complete one of the most dramatic upsets of the tournament.
As Lin celebrated wildly with his teammates, Swedish players stood stunned after watching a golden opportunity disappear before their eyes. The defeat means Sweden’s wait for a sixth Men’s Team title continues, while the team also misses out on a medal for the third consecutive World Team Championships. Their last podium finish remains the bronze medal won back in 2018.
For Chinese Taipei, however, the unforgettable victory could become a defining moment in the nation’s table tennis history. Written off before the match after finishing bottom of Group 2, they rose when it mattered most and knocked out one of the strongest teams in the world with fearless determination and world-class performances.
The message from London is now loud and clear — Chinese Taipei are no longer outsiders. They are genuine contenders, and after eliminating mighty Sweden in spectacular fashion, the rest of the tournament has officially been put on notice.
