China’s rising table tennis star, Wang Chuqin, has climbed to the pinnacle of the men’s singles world rankings, as announced by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Tuesday. His ascent to the No.1 spot marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Wang’s leap in the rankings comes after his triumphant performance at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Singapore Smash, where he secured 2,000 ranking points. This victory allowed him to surpass his compatriot Fan Zhendong, who previously held the top position. Fellow Chinese players continue to dominate the rankings, with WTT Singapore Smash finalist Liang Jingkun moving up to third place and veteran Ma Long holding fourth. Lin Gaoyuan rounds out the Chinese presence in the top ten at seventh place.
The men’s top ten also features a mix of international talent. French teenager Félix Lebrun has made a remarkable entry into the elite ranks, while Lin Yun-ju of Chinese Taipei, Hugo Calderano of Brazil, Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, and Germany’s Qiu Dang also hold positions among the world’s best.
In addition to his singles success, Wang Chuqin, alongside Fan Zhendong, leads the men’s doubles rankings. The duo’s consistent performances have solidified their status as a formidable pair on the global stage.
On the women’s side, Sun Yingsha maintains her dominance atop the singles rankings. Wang Manyu, following her impressive win at the WTT Singapore Smash, has climbed to second place. The top five are exclusively held by Chinese athletes, with Wang Yidi, Chen Meng, and Chen Xingtong completing the group.
International contenders in the women’s rankings include Japan’s Hina Hayata and Mima Ito, placed sixth and eighth respectively. Shin Yu-bin of South Korea holds the seventh spot, while Romania’s Bernadette Szőcs and Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico occupy the ninth and tenth positions.
The women’s doubles rankings saw Chen Meng and Wang Manyu rise to second place after their victory in Singapore, trailing the South Korean duo of Jeon Ji-hee and Shin Yu-bin. In mixed doubles, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha continue to lead, showcasing China’s comprehensive strength across all categories.
Wang Chuqin’s rise to the top reflects not only his personal dedication but also the depth of talent within China’s table tennis program. As emerging stars from around the world challenge the traditional powerhouses, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and a dynamic shift in the global table tennis landscape.
