World Table Tennis Championships

Proposed changes to the World Table Tennis Championships active from 2021 remain a hot topic ever since discussions were held at this year’s World Championships in Halmstad, Sweden.

In essence, the competition would be expanded in such a manner that players from all Member Associations have the opportunity to take part in the World Championships and to qualify for the World Table Tennis Championships Finals through the respective Continental Championships.

The matter prompted the Welsh Table Tennis Association to ask on Twitter whether there would be “a rethink of the World Championships format and the possible exclusion of small/less funded nations.”

Here’s how ITTF CEO, Steve Dainton, responded:

? With the previous format, they get no media coverage and therefore are invisible both at home and abroad. However, we have heard the wishes, especially of the smaller European members, and we are considering how to find a good solution. (2/2)

— ITTF World (@ittfworld) November 20, 2018

World Ranking points system

Since the introduction of a new system in 2018, are professional table tennis players now facing too intense a schedule? Do they no longer have the time they need to rest and recover in between tournaments? Can the system be blamed for “injuries to older players”, such as Ma Long in recent weeks?

In response to a host of questions on Weibo and Instagram Stories, here’s what Steve had to say:

“The ITTF world ranking system asks players to participate in 8 events within a full calendar year. If you compare this to other sports, it’s a very low number. We’ve had a 30% increase in player turnout since the introduction of the new WR system, which should be seen as very positive. If the Table Tennis community and especially players want us to ensure that the international events are professional, first-class and with increased prize money, then we need to make sure that the top players are playing.”

Event Organisation

Are ITTF’s official events optimised for players, coaches, staff, media and supporters?

Will the TV reach and fan entertainment improve further still?

Can Table Tennis compete with the world’s biggest sports?

See right how Steve responded on Instagram Stories:

Technology developments

“In 2019, with our T2Diamond partnership, we plan to do a lot of testing of new technology, such as introducing a ‘challenge’ system (allowing players to challenge decisions) as well as technologies of the Hawk-Eye mould.”

Rule changes

“Over the last 15 years there have been many technical rule changes. Our current philosophy at the ITTF is that all changes should be more about system and structure, as we believe that will have a more positive impact and ensure that Table Tennis keeps up with the most modern and commercially-driven sports.”

Stay Tuned!

Look out for the next episode of #AskCEO at the start of 2019, but until then give ITTF’s social accounts a follow: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube