TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The men’s table tennis team won its first-ever gold medal at the FISU World University Games on Sunday, defeating China 3-2 in the team final in Germany.

Feng Yi-hsin (馮翊新), Kao Cheng-jui (高承睿), and Huang Yen-cheng (黃彥誠), all in their early 20s, delivered a historic performance, per CNA. Feng, 22, stepped up in the critical moments and played the role of “big brother” to lead the team.

Feng gave Taiwan a strong start by securing the opening match. He later returned to take the deciding fifth match, sealing the gold and shattering China’s hopes of extending its winning streak in the event.

After the match, Feng said he still could not believe the result, as the team had always fallen short against China in the past. He said they focused on playing freely without worrying about the outcome.

Feng admitted he was nervous in the final match, but the cheers of his teammates boosted his confidence. He added, “Our strategy today worked really well, and I performed better than I ever expected. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.”

Huang, who clinched the third match to put Taiwan on the brink of victory, said the team had set its sights on gold after settling for silver previously. He added that their familiarity with their opponents made their pre-match strategy especially effective.

Kao, ranked 25th in the world, struggled and lost both of his matches. Despite the team’s win, he was moved to tears afterward, saying, “My performance today wasn’t even worthy of a bronze. I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates for helping us win this gold medal and making my dream come true.”

The team's coach Chu Yen-hui (朱硯匯) told CNA that Feng showed remarkable mental toughness. “Before the match, I asked if he was nervous, and he said no. I asked again before the fifth match, and he still said no. In gold medal matches like this, the skill levels are similar, so it all comes down to who has the stronger mindset.”

Chu argued that the gold was no fluke, emphasizing the team’s balanced strength throughout the tournament. He credited the win to mutual trust among the players and "Feng stepping up when it mattered most.”