China’s golden trio withdraws from WTT Champions

Chinese table tennis champions Fan Zhendong, Ma Long, and Chen Meng, who recently secured gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games, have withdrawn from next month’s World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions tournament in Macau, according to an announcement made by WTT yesterday.

Their absence has opened the door for fellow Chinese players Lin Gaoyuan, Lin Shidong, and Chen Xingtong to take their places, based on current world rankings.

At the Paris Olympics, Fan Zhendong made history by winning the men’s singles title, joining an elite group of just eleven players who have achieved a career Grand Slam, which includes victories at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup.

He also contributed to China’s team gold alongside Ma Long, another Grand Slam champion, and Wang Chuqin. Meanwhile, Chen Meng successfully defended her women’s singles title and claimed team gold with partners Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu.

The upcoming WTT Champions tournament is scheduled for September 9 to 15, where both men’s and women’s champions will earn 1,000 world ranking points. China clinched an impressive five out of five gold medals, along with one silver.

The round of 32 is set for September 9-10, with the first session on September 11. The round of 16 will take place during the first session on September 11 and throughout September 12. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 14, while the finals for both men’s and women’s singles categories will be held on September 15.

In a press conference yesterday, the Sports Bureau (ID) confirmed that the tournament will feature 64 of the world’s top players, including Olympic stars Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. Scheduled from September 9 to 15 at the East Asian Games Stadium in Cotai.

Additionally, the winner of the WTT Champions Macau 2024 will earn 1,000 world ranking points, significantly boosting their chances in the global table tennis rankings and heightening the stakes for the competing athletes.

Luís Gomes, the acting head of the Sports Bureau (ID), expressed his excitement at the press conference, about the tournament, which will showcase 32 male and 32 female competitors. “We are grateful to the players for coming to Macau to showcase their tremendous skills,” Gomes said to local press. “This championship is expected to spark a table tennis craze in our city.”

The Tap Seac Multi-Sports Pavilion has been the primary venue for the WTT Macau events from 2020 to 2023.

However, for the upcoming WTT Champions Macau 2024, the event will be held at the larger East Asian Games Stadium in Macau, which can accommodate more spectators –  with each session accommodating up to 4,700 spectators. LV/NS