ITTF to investigate Wang Chuchin's racket damage incident

(ECNS) -- The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) decided on Monday to thoroughly investigate the Chinese table tennis star Wang Chuchin's racket damage incident during the pre-match inspection for the mixed doubles second round at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in Doha.

Before Wang and his partner Sun Yingsha took on the Brazilian team of Hugo Calderano and Bruna Takahashi, Wang found part of rubber came off the blade and Chinese coach Xiao Zhan questioned the umpire if anyone had mishandled Wang's racket. The umpire answered that no one had intentionally torn the rubber and allowed Wang to use his backup racket.

After the match, Wang stated that his racket was intact before the pre-match inspection but he found it damaged after entering the playing field. "It is out of the question that I finish the match with the damaged racket," he said.

After all matches were completed on the day, a special meeting was held between the ITTF and the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) to discuss the incident.

The CTTA lodged a protest and appeal with the ITTF, requesting a check of the surveillance and an investigation into the incident.

The ITTF promised it would verify with the venue regarding the availability of surveillance footage and provide timely feedback. A thorough investigation into the cause of the racket damage will be conducted, followed by a written investigative report, it said.

This is not the first time that Wang's racket was damaged in a world competition. On July 30, 2024, after Wang and Sun won Olympic gold in Paris, a photographer accidentally broke Wang's racket, a crucial piece of equipment needed for his singles match the following night.

(By Zhang Dongfang)