World Cup returns with new tournament format

The Men’s and Women’s ITTF World Cup is set to return to Macau from Apr. 15-21 after being suspended in 2021 due to the pandemic, but with a new single-elimination competition format. A total of 96 top players, including defending men’s champion Fan Zhendong of China and women’s title holder Chen Meng, also of China, will be divided into 16 groups of three for a round-robin stage. The top player from each group will advance to the knockout round. Sports Bureau (ID) Director Pun Weng Kun said ticket sales have been strong and they hope to promote sports development ahead of hosting the 2025 National Games, where table tennis will be a focal point.