Group stage brought some surprises and play-off stage of Chinese WTT Trials did not disappoint as well. 24-year old Zhou Qihao enjoyed a great form in this tournament and on his way to the title won three TOP 10 players in the World.
In 1/4 finals, he got a 4-2 win against Liang Jingkun. In the semi-finals, Qihao had even tougher opponent to overcome – current World Champion Ma Long. Game was very intense and everything was decided in the final, seventh set. Ma Long had a comfortable 8-4 lead and it seemed that the outcome is already decided, but then the comeback started. Zhou Qihao won seven points in a row and got a 4-3 win over The Dragon.
His opponent in the final, Fan Zhendong had to overcome young sensation Lin Shidong, who is also nicknamed the “Little Fan Zhendong” in the 1/4 finals, and Wang Chuqin in the semi-finals.
The final game was close and Fan Zhendong had a 2-1 lead. However, Qihao made another comeback. Less impressive than against Ma Long, but more valuable in terms of the importance. 4-2 and he took the trophy of this tournament. It might be not the most important tournament, but it shows that the competition in the China national team is really intense. This win might give some extra opportunities for Zhou Qihao on the international stage in the nearest future.
CHINESE WTT TRIALS PLAY-OFFS
1/4 FINALS
Fan Zhendong 
4-2 vs. Lin Shidong (11-13, 11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-5, 11-6) Wang Chuqin
4-1 vs. Xu Chenhao (11-6, 12-14, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6) Zhou Qihao
4-2 vs. Liang Jungkun (11-5, 11-6, 11-6, 4-11, 9-11, 11-4) Ma Long
4-1 vs. Fang Bo (11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7)
1/2 FINALS Fan Zhendong
4-2 vs. Wang Chuqin (11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8) Zhou Qihao
4-3 vs. Ma Long (11-5, 13-11, 9-11, 8-11, 14-12, 4-11, 11-8)
BRONZE MEDAL MATCH Ma Long 
3-1 vs. Wang Chuqin (11-1, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9)
FINAL Zhou Qihao 
4-2 vs. Fan Zhendong 
(11-4, 8-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9)
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