ITTF announces updates to World Ranking Regulations

(ECNS) -- The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) executive board has approved changes to the ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking Regulations, with the Chinese national team still topping four categories, according to the sports body.

The ITTF is taking a proactive approach in ensuring the World Ranking Regulations accurately reflect the current level of players in the sport, it was said.

The new regulations include several important updates aimed at improving the ranking system. With a full calendar year ahead, the goal is to create a fairer and more balanced system for all players.

Some of the significant changes involve the increase in points awarded for the initial round of WTT Grand Smash events up to the Round of 64 categories.

Additionally, the updated regulations also bring about a reduction in points awarded for WTT Feeder events. Previously, the 150 points available had become too strong an incentive for top players to participate, impacting the chances for lower-level players.

With more WTT Series and Feeder events scheduled this year, and by reducing the points for Feeder events winners to 125, there will be more opportunities for all players to get an entry in events and climb the rankings, ITTF said.

After the regulation update, the International Table Tennis Federation released the 7th edition of the world rankings for 2023, with the Chinese national team still topping four categories.

In the men's singles, Fan Zhendong, Ma Long, and Wang Chuqin ranked in the top three, while in the women's singles, Sun Yingsha, Chen Meng, Wang Manyu, and Wang Yidi remained in the top four.

In the men's doubles, Fan Zhendong/Wang Chuqin ranked third, while in the women's doubles, Wang Manyu/Sun Yingsha remained in the top spot, and in mixed doubles, Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha topped the rankings.