The world of table tennis was shaken when China’s Olympic champions Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng announced their withdrawal from the world rankings. The unexpected move has sparked widespread discussion among fans and athletes alike.
In response, World Table Tennis (WTT) released a statement on Saturday expressing deep respect for the contributions of both Fan and Chen. The organization acknowledged their ability to inspire countless individuals around the globe and addressed several concerns related to the WTT handbook.
WTT clarified that the rules leading to the withdrawal were not newly imposed. They detailed the process of automatic qualification and reiterated the reasons behind fines for non-participation. Additionally, they highlighted updates from the 2025 edition of the handbook to provide transparency.
The organization emphasized its ongoing support for Fan and Chen, wishing them the best in their future endeavors. WTT stated that the doors remain open for them, and all players, to return to WTT events whenever they choose.
Fan Zhendong announced his withdrawal on Friday, citing his inability to comply with WTT’s new regulations imposing fines for not participating in events. Similarly, Chen Meng expressed that the new fines for withdrawing from competitions presented her with a tough decision, especially due to physical challenges that prevent her from competing in every high-intensity tournament.
The situation continues to evolve as the table tennis community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that benefits both the athletes and the sport.
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WTT responds to withdrawal of China's Fan and Chen from world rankings
cgtn.com
