Japan’s Satomi Watanabe and France’s Victor Crouin were crowned champions at The World Games 2025 after recording a pair of commanding wins in the Gold Medal Matches in Chengdu, China.
Those wins, with Watanabe defeating France’s Marie Stephan and Crouin overcoming Hungary’s Balazs Farkas, represented major milestones for both Japan and France, with Watanabe becoming the first ever Japanese winner of the event and Crouin becoming the first man to the defend the title.
Meanwhile, in the Bronze Medal Matches, Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez won his third bronze medal at The World Games by coming from behind to defeat Switzerland’s Dimitri Steinmann and Spain’s Marta Dominguez outclassed Hong Kong, China’s Tomato Ho.
The World Games 2025, the 12th edition of the multi-sport event, is taking place in Chengdu, China from 7-17 August 2025. The squash competitions, 32-draw men’s and women’s individual events, have been contested between 8-12 August at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre.
Top seeds Watanabe and Crouin had endured some tough moments during this year’s campaign, but found another level today when they needed it most.
Watanabe in particular has improved as the tournament has progressed, with the World No.6 near her very best today as she outclassed World No.48Stephan.
Stephan, who mounted an impressive comeback yesterday to upset No.2 seed Tomato Ho, was on the back foot for much of today’s 28-minute clash, with Watanabe moving her opponent around the court as she recorded an 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 win in front of a sell-out crowd.
“I’m just really happy!” Watanabe said. “At the previous World Games, I couldn’t finish where I wanted to be. So I’m just really happy, actually, more like relieved, to win the gold medal at the moment. I haven’t played a tournament as first seed so it was a lot of pressure before coming into this tournament.”
Crouin, too, was on top for the majority of his encounter with Farkas, who yesterday dumped No.2 seed Dimitri Steinmann out of the competition.
In a watchful opening spell, Crouin edged ahead of the mercurial left hander with an 11-9 win. The Frenchman led throughout game two, despite Farkas keeping close, doubling his lead with another 11-9.
That win took the wind out of Farkas’ sails and Crouin cruised through the third game 11-5, with his calm demeanour finally slipping as he celebrated emphatically.
Afterwards, Crouin said: “Winning this means the world. I came here to defend the title, and I just did it. I’m very proud of myself to win this title a second time. I think it was the best preparation for the Olympics coming in three years and to experience multi-sport events like this one was very important for me to try and get some feedback on how to handle the kind of pressure that comes with multi sports events. And being a flag bearer this week, which was an immense honour, also added a little bit of pressure.”
In the men’s Bronze Medal Match, Rodriguez signed off on his final appearance at The World Games with a third bronze medal as he took down Steinmann in a repeat of the 2022 playoff.
Three years ago, Rodriguez overcame Steinmann 3-1, and today’s win was by the same scoreline, with Rodriguez hitting back after dropping the first game to record a 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 win.
In the women’s Bronze Medal Match, No.5 seed Dominguez secured bronze for Spain with an ultimately comfortable win over Tomato Ho.
Game one was close, with Dominguez saving game ball and then coming through the tie-break 12-10.
Dominguez dominate game two, doubling her lead with an 11-5 win. The Spanish No.1 was on top throughout game three before play was delayed by a head injury to Ho. After the players returned to court, Dominguez quickly rattled off the points needed, taking game three 11-2 to win the bronze medal.
Result: The World Games Women’s Final
[1] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [3/4] Marie Stéphan (FRA)Result: The World Games Women’s Bronze Medal Match
[5/8] Marta Dominguez (ESP) bt [2] Tomato Ho (HKG) 12-10, 11-5, 11-2 (37m)Result: The World Games Men’s Final
[1] Victor Crouin (FRA) bt [5/8] Balazs Farkas (HUN) 3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-5 (44m)Result: The World Games Men’s Bronze Medal Match
[3/4] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt [2] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 (69m)