WTT China Smash 2026 brings new level of spectacle to Beijing

The WTT China Smash 2026 is bringing fans a new viewing experience at Shougang Park in Beijing's Shijingshan District, marking the third consecutive year the event has been held at the iconic venue.

From October 1 to 11, the world's top table tennis players are going head to head in a charged atmosphere of applause and cheering.

The arena itself has been upgraded with improved lighting and sound, a more spacious layout and a massive new viewing screen.

The main venue, Infinity Arena, also known as Bajichang, is also using 3D mapping projection technology for the first time, with dazzling light shows staged before each evening session.

"I came to feel the vibe at the WTT China Smash. It's stunning, and it really gets your heart racing," said a table tennis fan.

Organizers say about 70 percent of spectators are from out of Beijing, and total attendance is expected to exceed 100,000.

Around 400 athletes are competing across multiple events at both the WTT China Smash 2026 and the China Youth Smash.

This year's event also comes with upgraded fan services. Ticket holders can re-enter the venue and enjoy rides on a themed shuttle bus.

Meanwhile, the WTT Smash Park has been established beneath the Big Air Shougang, the former Beijing Winter Olympics venue, offering a 10,000-square-meter outdoor viewing area where fans can watch live broadcasts.

"I can watch the match at the secondary site, wander around, and check out plenty of photo spots featuring table tennis players," said another fan.

Türkiye's annual inflation eased to 29.73 percent in September, marking a fourth straight month of slowing price growth, the Turkish Statistical Institute said Monday.

Consumer prices rose 1.84 percent from August, less than expected due to easing food prices, according to official data. Annual inflation stood at 31.51 percent in August.

Türkiye, an energy importer, has struggled with soaring inflation in recent years, although the rate has fallen substantially from its peak at 85.5 percent in late 2022 and around 70 percent in May 2024.

Last month, the government revised down its economic targets for the next three years, citing conflicts in the Middle East and flying energy prices.

Policymakers have raised this year's inflation outlook to 28.4 percent from 16 percent and cut the economic growth target to 3.3 percent from 3.8 percent.