Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (R) celebrate after the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Shi Xunyao and Zhang Xiangyu captured the women's doubles crown at the WTT Star Contender London on Friday, defeating compatriots Qin Yuxuan and Zong Geman in straight games in the final.

In their first tournament as partners, Shi and Zhang produced a composed and confident performance to triumph 11-5, 11-5, 11-9. Both players credited their mental resilience and tactical execution as decisive factors in overcoming their familiar opponents.

"This was a match between teammates, so it was more about psychological adjustment and tactical play," Shi said after the victory. "I think we handled both aspects quite well."

The pair only began playing together after arriving in London, entering the event from the qualifying rounds without high expectations. "It wasn't easy to fight all the way from qualification to the final," Shi said. "But our communication and cooperation improved with every match."

Zhang added that they stayed focused on each round rather than thinking about the title. "It was our first time partnering, so we just fought match by match," she said.

In the second game, the duo rallied from 5-2 down to score nine consecutive points, turning the tide decisively. "We didn't even realize we had won nine points in a row," Shi said with a smile. "We just focused on every point, reduced unnecessary errors, and played more sensibly." ■

Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (L) celebrate during the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Gold medalists Shi Xunyao (R)/Zhang Xiangyu take a selfie during the awarding ceremony for the women's doubles between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (L) celebrate during the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Gold medalists Shi Xunyao (2nd L)/Zhang Xiangyu (1st L) and silver medalists Qin Yuxuan (1st R)/Zong Geman pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (L) celebrate during the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Gold medalists Shi Xunyao (R)/Zhang Xiangyu pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's doubles between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (L) compete during the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (R) react after the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Shi Xunyao (R)/Zhang Xiangyu compete during the women's doubles final between China's Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu and China's Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman in the WTT Star Contender London 2025 in London, Britain, on Oct. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)