by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

He rose to the pinnacle in July 2013, he returned to the highest place five months later in December and he has topped the order of merit ever since that date.

No change at the very top, it is the same for those in immediate pursuit. Brazil’s Hugo Calderano remains at no.2, followed by Japan’s Yuto Muramatsu. Liang Jingkun, like Fan Zhendong from China, returns to the list in the no.4 spot.

Top spot for China; on the other age group listings it is Japan who holds pole position.

Tomokazu Harimoto continues to head both the Under 18 Boys and Under 15 Boys’ World Rankings.

However, with the four month absence of China’s Niu Guankai from international competition, named at no.2 one month ago in December on both lists, immediately below there is progress.

China’s Wang Chuqin is now in second spot on the Under 18 Boys’ World Rankings with Japan’s Yuto Kizukuri in third position; both advance one place. Likewise on the Under 15 Boys’ World Rankings, Russia’s Vladimir Sidorenko moves to second spot ahead of Korea’s Cho Daeseong.

Japan to the fore, on the Under 21 Women’s and Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings it is the same as the previous month in the top three places.  Mima Ito and Miu Hirano are the respective leaders. On the latter, colleague Hina Hayata is at no.3, on the former Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem is the next in line.

The top two places for Japan; on the Under 15 Girls’ World Rankings it is the very same and the same as in January.

Miyu Nagasaki and Miyuu Kihara occupy the respective top two positions; they are followed by Crystal Wang of the United States.

World Rankings: Wednesday 1st February 2017

World Rankings: Basic Description

World Rankings: Rating Points and Bonus Points Tables

World Rankings: Ranking Default Policy for No Show

World Rankings: Policy for Inclusion in 2017 ITTF Calendar