If you thought the number 4 was unlucky (as it is in the Chinese culture) then Lily Zhang may just have found a loophole. Becoming the fourth player in the history of US Table Tennis to win four Women's Singles National Championship Titles.



After winning all of her matches to reach the final by a 4-0 margin it seemed that Lily Zhang was an unstoppable force, the two time Olympian overcame Wang Xinyue in the semifinal in true style with one goal in mind - defending her 2016 title.



In front of a buzzing crowd at the Silverton Casino and Hotel it was a true showdown as Lily Zhang and Jennifer Wu faced off for the ultimate prize of $8000 and a National Title. Wu Yue already having won the Women's and Mixed Doubles, she was looking for a hat trick and her first National Singles title. For Lily Zhang it was a place among the greats of US Table Tennis.



A fantastic 4k livestreaming feed, a wonderful venue and a special presentation coming to the Tennis Channel tomorrow, the pressure was on.



From the starting blocks it was Lily Zhang who found her home on the finals court. Wu looking a little uncomfortable in the conditions and struggling to find rhythm saw the first two games slide away from her 11-5, 11-6. Zhang was in devastating form and Wu was left behind. Fighting for every point Jennifer Wu looked for opportunities to come back into the match. It wasn't until the fourth game when Wu started to find some competitive form to push the game closer.



A few lucky breaks for Zhang saw her take the advantage right at the end of the fourth game and she fought hard to close out and seal another 4-0 win. Fast pace, close table encounters and explosive strokes had helped the two time Olympian and three time National Champion add another jewel to her crown.



An unfortunate performance for Wu who had battled hard and had her sights firmly set on a first National Singles Title. No doubt she will go away and take another shot next year, a superb player, a great sport and a real role model for female players out there. Hard luck but, as you said in your post match interview after the semifinal, don't give up, follow your passion and fight hard for your goals. We hope to see Jennifer Wu get another shot at the Finals Celebration again in the future!



A big congratulations to Lily Zhang, to win her fourth National Championships Singles title without losing a game. A true display of dominance for the UC Berkeley student and 2-time Olympian. After an amazing performance overseas at the 2017 World Championships it proved to be the perfect lead-up to taking the title here.



A special thank you to the live streaming and broadcast team led by David Del Vecchio, Triode Media Group and it's staff, USATT's dedicated team headed by CEO Gordon Kaye, Eventure and it's marketing and support staff, the Silverton Hotel and Casino, our amazing sponsors SuperMicro, Joola, Butterfly and Paddle Palace and of course the officials and players, spectators, coaches and parents. What an amazing Women's Singles Event. Thank you everyone!