<SCOOP> History Made At The New Zealand Open Championships: Youngest Men’s Singles Champion Crowned

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Saturday, 27 September 2025, 1:46 pm
Press Release: Table Tennis NZ

The 2025 New Zealand Open Championships delivered a historic milestone as Eli Ho became the youngest ever winner of the Men’s Singles title on 24 September 2025. This year’s Championships, one of the pinnacle events on the Table Tennis New Zealand calendar, featured 22 events across team, singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories, attracting over 135 teams and more than 320 singles and doubles entries.

The Men’s Singles draw included some of New Zealand’s most decorated players. Barry Griffiths, a former Olympian and eight-time champion, was aiming for a record ninth title before exiting in the Round of 16. Teng Teng Liu, a seventh-time winner, reached the semi-finals in pursuit of his eighth crown.

In the final, Eli showed incredible composure and fight, edging out 17-year-old Timothy Choi in a thrilling seven-game battle. The match went the distance, but Eli kept his cool to close it out 4–3 and take the title. Just last year he won the prestigious ITTF World Hopes Week Challenge Boys’ singles title, and now he’s proving himself not only on the international stage but also against the very best in New Zealand.

Speaking after his victory, Ho said: “It feels amazing to win my first New Zealand Open title. I knew it was going to be tough against some of the country’s best players, and the final was one of the hardest matches I have ever played. I just tried to stay focused on every point. To come through and make a bit of history at the same time is special.”

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The Women’s Singles was an exciting contest, with Olympian Li Chunli, who first wore the silver fern at the 1992 Barcelona Games, chasing her 11th title. Unfortunately, she lost to 19-year-old Hannah Li in the semifinals round. Hannah then carried her momentum into the finals, overpowering Gina Liu in straight sets, 4–0, to claim the title.

The New Zealand Open Championships once again showcased the best table tennis talent across NZ, celebrating the legends of the game while also shining a light on the exciting new generation coming through.

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