Yukiya Uda beat compatriot Yuhi Sakai
It was a dream-like finish for Japanese superstars at WTT Feeder Cappadocia II 2025, as they dominated the action on the final day of proceedings.
World No.35 Yukiya Uda captured his first ever WTT Feeder Series Men’s Singles winner’s title, after defeating compatriot Yuhi Sakai in three straight games (11-8, 11-5, 11-5).
Singapore Smash 2022 semifinalist Uda had showcased remarkable resolve to reach the final; having overcome the likes of Balazs Lei (8-11, 12-10, 11-5, 7-11, 11-3), Hayate Suzuki (11-7, 3-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-5) and Nicolas Burgos (8-11, 11-1, 11-5, 5-11, 13-11) in five game thrillers, Uda brought serious momentum and confidence into the final showdown.
Play was equally matched as the first game began, with both players bringing the heat from the outset. World No.126 Sakai managed to lead the top seed momentarily at 7-8, but Uda bounced back, winning four consecutive points to take the first game with an 11-8 tagline.
Uda only got stronger from there, dominating the second game with spectacular table tennis, outplaying Sakai and leading the 19-year-old 2-0 in games.
With his opponent now within reaching distance of victory, Sakai entered the third game with a desperate need to find a foothold in this fierce brawl. But Sakai’s hopes would be dashed, as Uda pulled away to eventually take the game and match, bagging a breakthrough title in the Men’s Singles category.
Over in the Women’s Singles, Hitomi Sato defeated Asuka Sasao (13-15, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5) to seize her second WTT Feeder trophy of the year.
It was World No.136 Sasao who got the ball rolling in the first game; despite Sato saving multiple game points, the top seed was unable to convert her 11-10 lead, leaving rival Sasao to be the first to stamp her name on the scoreboard.
Returning to the second game with renewed vigour, Sato revved into high gear, showcasing her best level of play to overpower her compatriot, taking the game with little resistance from Sasao. The third game proved more narrow, as Sasao recovered three points on the trot to bring proceedings to 7-6. But Sato retaliated, hitting back with a four point run to lead with a 2-1 game advantage in this heated final.
It looked like an impossible situation in the fourth game for Sasao, with her opponent winning the first five points. Yet Sasao forced her way back into the contest, claiming the next four points and putting World No.38 Sato under pressure.
But Sato refused to crumble; winning six consecutive points, Sato conquered the 25-year-old, capturing the game and title to boot in Cappadocia.
However, Sato’s success wasn’t just to be found in the Women’s Singles, with the Japanese ace also triumphing in the Women’s Doubles alongside compatriot Saki Shibata, the duo beating Ser Lin Qian and Loy Ming Ying to the title in three straight games (11-4, 11-8, 11-7).
Also gaining extra silverware was Men’s Singles finalist Yuhi Sakai, who, together with Hayate Suzuki, saw off qualifiers Pang Koen and Le Ellsworth to wrap up the Men’s Doubles trophy in four games (11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7).
It was a bitter-sweet ending for home favourites Tugay Yilmaz and Ece Harac in the Mixed Doubles final, as their brilliant dash for the winner’s title was denied by Japanese pairing Shunsuke Okano and Kyoka Idesawa, the latter finishing with a spotless three game victory (11-8, 11-4, 11-4) to take the crown.
