In a surprise move at the WTT Champions in Montpellier, five of China’s top table tennis players have pulled out to concentrate on the upcoming National Games. Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Lin Shidong, Liang Jingkun and Wang Manyu all decided against competing in France, turning their attention instead to China’s 15th National Games this November.
This decision follows China’s dominant performance at the recent Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in India, where the Chinese side claimed gold in both men’s and women’s categories. With momentum on their side, the paddlers are now setting their sights on the National Games, widely regarded as the pinnacle of domestic competition in the Chinese mainland.
The 15th National Games will kick off on November 7 in the Macao Special Administrative Region, featuring a high-stakes table tennis tournament that promises fierce battles and potential breakout stars. By prioritizing targeted training and recovery, these elite athletes aim to peak at the right moment, showcasing their skills in front of a home crowd.
For global fans and young sports enthusiasts, this strategic withdrawal is a fascinating glimpse into the high-performance world of elite table tennis. It raises questions about tournament calendars, athlete workload and the balance between international glory and domestic honor. Can these Chinese paddlers convert their international success into National Games gold? Stay tuned as the countdown to Macao begins.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
