Editorial | Table tennis row sign of imbalance in sport power structure
The commercial interests of governing bodies should not compromise physical, mental and financial well being of athletes
The sudden withdrawal of three of China’s top table tennis players from the global rankings shocked the sport.
Fan Zhendong, Chen Meng and Ma Long, who have 14 Olympic gold medals between them, pulled out late last year, ending their participation in tournaments run by the sport’s governing body.
The drastic move was sparked by new rules on fines for players skipping competitions run by World Table Tennis (WTT), the commercial arm of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
There was widespread support for the players, especially from their fans. Fan and Chen took to social media to highlight the negative impact on player welfare of requirements that they meet a packed schedule.
Facing a backlash, WTT sensibly supported the ITTF’s setting up of a task force to reconsider the changes.
Players, coaches and administrators from around the world provided feedback at meetings in Singapore last month. There was, importantly, a dedicated session with Chinese players and officials.
This led to a WTT announcement that the rules would be further changed. The mandatory participation requirement for the four WTT Grand Smash tournaments was removed. Two annual exemptions will also be granted to players from competing in six Champions events.