04/09/2026 : The Monegasque table tennis player wins her third consecutive Games medal and takes second place on the podium after a strong run through to the final. A particularly encouraging performance, less than a year after her return to the international circuit.
Third time’s the charm. Xiaoxin Yang has added another medal to her Mediterranean Games record. After winning silver in Tarragona in 2018 and gold in Oran in 2022, the Monegasque table tennis player claimed silver on Wednesday evening at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto. The medal came at the end of a particularly impressive tournament.
A confident start
Xiaoxin Yang made a perfect start to her tournament in the Round of 16 against Spain’s Elvira Rad Hind, defeating her in four straight games (11-5, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4). In the Round of 16, the Monegasque player maintained the same momentum, overcoming Portugal’s Mariana Pineu (11-6, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4). The competition then became tougher. In the quarter-finals, Xiaoxin Yang had to battle against France’s Camille Lutz, but eventually came out on top (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8). In the semi-final, the Principality representative confirmed her strong form by defeating Serbia’s Izabela Lupulesku (11-7, 11-3, 11-8, 3-11, 11-1), securing her place in the final.
A closely fought final
In the final, Xiaoxin Yang faced Egypt’s Hana Goda. The Monegasque player made an excellent start, winning the opening game in a closely contested battle, 12-10. Her opponent then turned the match around. Despite a particularly tight third game, Xiaoxin Yang eventually lost 4 games to 1 (12-10, 4-11, 10-12, 6-11, 6-11).
This silver medal is particularly significant for Xiaoxin Yang.
“I’m very happy with my tournament. After the final, I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to win gold. But looking back, I think the result is positive. After taking a break due to motherhood, I returned to the circuit less than a year ago. It’s been a good comeback and I’ve made great progress. With the Los Angeles Olympic Games just two years away, this is a very encouraging sign.”
A medal that matters
Beyond the podium finish, this result is indeed an important milestone for the Monegasque table tennis player. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games two years away, Xiaoxin Yang has sent an encouraging signal for the future. In Taranto, she demonstrated, match after match, her ability to compete with the best players in the tournament. With this latest Mediterranean medal, the Monegasque player can now continue her preparations with Los Angeles already firmly in her sights.
Xiaoxin Yang alongside her coach, Yang Lei. (Photo: Monegasque Olympic Committee)
Stéphan Maggi, Press Attaché of the Monegasque Olympic Committee
