04 Jul 2023

After 142 consecutive weeks at the top, Fan Zhendong has been dethroned. The crown now belongs to Wang Chuqin.

Wang Chuqin, the rising star of Chinese table tennis, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the new world No.1. With the ITTF world ranking points from Singapore Smash 2022 expiring, Wang has now claimed the top spot from Fan Zhendong. This achievement marks a historic moment in Wang’s remarkable journey, highlighting his exceptional talent and unwavering pursuit of greatness.

Wang’s journey began in the highly competitive youth scene, where he quickly emerged as a talented and determined player. At just 12 years old, he caught the attention of Chinese talent scouts by surpassing older competitors. Wang’s talent extended beyond the youth level. In 2014, he showcased his skills on the global stage, impressing audiences with his performances at the World Junior Championships. He also made waves as a 14-year-old prodigy on the ITTF World Tour, leaving a lasting impression on the table tennis community.

After a break, Wang made a triumphant return to international action in 2021 and quickly regained his form. Producing standout performances that include securing gold in Mixed Doubles at the ITTF World Championships Finals 2021. Since then, Wang has continued his meteoric rise claiming his first Men’s Singles trophy at the WTT Star Contender European Summer Series. He followed this success by winning titles at WTT Champions Macao 2022 and WTT Cup Finals Xinxiang 2022, solidifying his position as a top-ranked player.

 

With outstanding performances in the first half of 2023, Wang’s ascent to the top of the rankings seemed inevitable. He made headlines with his achievements at the Singapore Smash, narrowly missing a historic triple crown victory, before claiming the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles and the Men’s Singles silver medal at the ITTF World Championships Finals Durban 2023. With an impressive tally of 3300 world ranking points in the past six months, Wang Chuqin officially becomes the world’s No.1 player today, surpassing Fan Zhendong.

Wang Chuqin’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players worldwide. His rise to the top is a testament to his exceptional skill, resilience, and dedication. ITTF eagerly anticipates witnessing Wang’s continued success and the legacy he will create as the new world No.1.

General News ITTF World Ranking