As the new year begins, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has released its updated world rankings, and China's Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha have emerged as the top-ranked players in the men’s and women’s singles categories.
This marks a continued dominance by Chinese athletes in the sport.
In the men’s singles, Wang Chuqin holds the number one position, with fellow Chinese player Lin Shidong securing second place. Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto ranks third, followed by Felix Lebrun from France in fourth.
Other notable players in the top ten include China's Liang Jingkun, Brazil's Hugo Calderano, Sweden's Truls Moregard, China's Lin Gaoyuan, and Germany's Qiu Dang and Patrick Franziska. The consistent strength of Chinese players remains evident, with the majority of the top spots being claimed by them.
On the women's side, Sun Yingsha leads the rankings, with fellow Chinese players Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi, and Chen Xingtong filling the next three positions. Japan's Hina Hayata and Miwa Harimoto take the fifth and sixth spots, respectively.
Cheng I-Ching from Chinese Taipei, South Korea's Shin Yubin, and Japan's Mima Ito round out the top ten, further highlighting the dominance of East Asian athletes in the sport.
In a related announcement, the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) confirmed that some of the sport’s most decorated players—Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng—have officially withdrawn from the rankings.
The CTTA clarified that the necessary procedures for their withdrawal from the ITTF rankings have been completed, signalling a new phase for these athletes.
Despite their removal from the rankings, the CTTA reassured the public that these athletes would continue to receive full support. Whether they choose to return to international competitions or focus on domestic events, the association remains committed to their development.
The statement from the CTTA emphasized the importance of these players in elevating China's standing in the sport, as well as their significant contributions on the world stage.
Liu Guoliang, the president of the CTTA, expressed his gratitude for the athletes’ achievements and confirmed the association's ongoing efforts to protect their rights.
He also proposed that the World Table Tennis (WTT) consider offering “participation exemptions” for veteran players like Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng, recognising their past contributions.
At the same time, Liu suggested that a "prize pool" be established to encourage and reward young players who actively compete in international tournaments.
The ITTF rankings have always been a significant indicator of performance in the world of table tennis, and as the new year begins, China continues to maintain a stronghold in both the men’s and women’s singles events.
The nation’s dominance in the sport is evident, with a growing generation of players poised to carry the mantle forward. The ongoing commitment to the sport from both athletes and governing bodies, like the CTTA, ensures that China remains a dominant force in table tennis for years to come.
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