Table tennis, also popularly known as ping-pong, is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Born in England in the 19th century, the sport has evolved to an international level, with top players showing off their agility, technique and strategy.
To bring more visibility to these athletes, we’ve created a special piece of content: a list of the 20 best table tennis players in the world today. Here, you’ll learn about their life stories, curiosities, titles, records and much more.
Check out the list of the 20 best table tennis players in the world today that you need to know!
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The 20 best table tennis players in the world today: complete list
- Fan Zhendong
- Ma Long
- Xu Xin
- Zhang Jike
- Dimitrij Ovtcharov
- Timo Boll
- Lin Gaoyuan
- Koki Niwa
- Chuang Chih-Yuan
- Wang Chuqin
- Jang Woo-jin
- Joao Monteiro
- Patrick Franziska
- Yang Ha-eun
- Satoshi Aida
- Tetsuya Kiyohara
- Lin Jianhao
- Michael Maze
- Kazuhiro Hoshino
- João Monteiro
The 20 best table tennis players in the world today: find out more
1. Fan Zhendong
- Titles: 2018 and 2019 World Champion, 2018 World Cup Champion.
- Records: Multiple ranking and performance records in international tournaments.
- Teams: Guangdong, China.
- Life story: Born in 1997 in China, Fan Zhendong is known for his impeccable speed and technique. He started playing table tennis at a very young age and quickly made a name for himself on the international scene.
- Fun facts: He is considered one of the most consistent players today, and his aggressive and fast style of play is admired by fans and opponents alike.
2. Ma Long
- Titles: Three-time World Champion (2015, 2017, 2019), 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist.
- Records: World title record and number 1 ranking for several years.
- Teams: Beijing, China.
- Life story: Born in 1988 in China, Ma Long is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His refined technique and consistency in tournaments have made him one of table tennis’ elite.
- Fun facts: Known as “The Dragon”, Ma Long is famous for his ability to adapt to different styles of play.
3. Xu Xin
- Titles: 2011 World Champion, 2016 Olympic Team Gold Medalist.
- Records: Recognized for his skills in doubles and team play.
- Teams: Guangdong, China.
- Life story: Born in 1990, Xu Xin is known for his attacking style of play and technical innovations, such as the use of the “penholder grip”.
- Fun facts: He is known for his exceptional skills in doubles play, where he often forms successful partnerships with other great players.
4. Zhang Jike
- Titles: 2011 and 2013 World Champion, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist.
- Records: Several titles in international tournaments and high ranking for consecutive years.
- Teams: Shandong, China.
- Life story: Born in 1988, Zhang Jike is famous for his combination of strength and precision. His aggressive style of play has earned him several major titles.
- Funfacts: Zhang Jike is known for his intensity and effusive celebrations after victories.
5. Dimitrij Ovtcharov
- Titles: Silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, 2017 European Champion.
- Records: High ranking in European and international competitions.
- Teams: Borussia Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Life story: Born in 1988 in Ukraine, Ovtcharov moved to Germany and quickly became one of the best European players.
- Fun facts: He is known for his ability to maintain focus and concentration during intense matches.
6. Timo Boll
- Titles: European Champion in 2002, 2007 and 2018, Silver Medalist at the World Championships.
- Records: Longest-standing record in the elite of European table tennis.
- Teams: Borussia Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Life story: Born in 1981 in Germany, Boll is a legend in European table tennis, known for his technical and refined style of play.
- Fun facts: Timo Boll is admired for his longevity in the sport’s elite and his ability to compete at the highest level for many years.
7. Lin Gaoyuan
- Titles: 2020 World Cup champion.
- Records: High world ranking and consistent performance in competitions.
- Teams: Guangdong, China.
- Life story: Born in 1997, Lin Gaoyuan has stood out as one of table tennis’ promising young talents.
- Fun facts: He is known for his technical ability and the promising potential he has shown in his young career.
8. Koki Niwa
- Titles: Silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.
- Records: He stands out for his victories in youth tournaments and his rapid rise in the world rankings.
- Teams: Nippon Paper Cranes, Japan.
- Life story: Born in 1993 in Japan, Niwa is known for his dynamic playing style and ability to adapt quickly.
- Funfacts: Niwa is famous for his technical skills and his talent from a young age.
9. Chuang Chih-Yuan
- Titles: Several titles on the World Tour, Asian Champion in 2009.
- Records: Consistent performance in international tournaments.
- Teams: Taiwan.
- Life story: Born in 1982 in Taiwan, Chuang is known for his experience and technical ability.
- Fun facts: He is one of the most veteran players on the list, with a long and successful career.
10. Wang Chuqin
- Titles: World Team Champion and World Cup Champion.
- Records: High ranking in international tournaments.
- Teams: Guangdong, China.
- Life story: Born in 2000, Wang Chuqin is a young talent with a promising future in table tennis.
- Fun facts: Known for his energy and aggressive style, Wang Chuqin is quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.
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11. Jang Woo-jin
- Titles: Several titles on the Asian Tour.
- Records: Outstanding performance in Asian and international tournaments.
- Teams: South Korea.
- Life story: Born in 1994 in South Korea, Jang is known for his fast and technical style of play.
- Fun facts: He has emerged as one of South Korea’s leading players at the moment.
12. Joao Monteiro
- Titles: Portuguese champion and in club tournaments in Europe.
- Records: Recognized for his performances in European competitions.
- Teams: Sporting CP, Portugal.
- Life story: Born in 1986, Monteiro is one of Portugal’s leading table tennis players.
- Fun facts: He is known for his dedication to training and for being a reference point for young Portuguese players.
13. Patrick Franziska
- Titles: Gold medal at the European Team Championships.
- Records: Consistent in the European and international rankings.
- Teams: Borussia Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Life story: Born in 1993 in Germany, Franziska is known for his technique and performance in high-level competitions.
- Fun facts: He has had a successful career in European tournaments and is known for his sporting attitude.
14. Yang Ha-eun
- Titles: Asian Games gold medalist.
- Records: Outstanding performance in Asian competitions.
- Teams: South Korea.
- Life story: Born in 1991, Yang is one of South Korea’s best players, known for her refined technique.
- Fun facts: She is admired for her ability to play under pressure and for her advanced technical skills.
15. Satoshi Aida
- Titles: Several titles on the Japanese and Asian circuit.
- Records: Recognized for his consistent performance in Asian competitions.
- Teams: Japan.
- Life story: Born in 1988 in Japan, Aida is known for his technical ability and experience in the sport.
- Fun facts: He is one of Japan’s leading players and is known for his discipline and rigorous training.
16. Tetsuya Kiyohara
- Titles: Japanese and international tournament champion.
- Records: Solid performance in international competitions.
- Teams: Japan.
- Life story: Born in 1992 in Japan, Kiyohara is a player known for his speed and refined technique.
- Fun facts: Has excelled in international tournaments and is known for his strategic approach to the game.
17. Lin Jianhao
- Titles: National and international tournament champion.
- Records: Recognized for his performance in international tournaments.
- Teams: China.
- Life story: Born in 1991 in China, Lin is known for his technique and consistency in high-level competitions.
- Fun facts: He is admired for his dedication and technical style of play.
18. Michael Maze
- Titles: Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.
- Records: He stands out for his performance in international competitions.
- Teams: Denmark.
- Life story: Born in 1980 in Denmark, Maze is known for his technical ability and outstanding performance.
- Fun facts: He is one of Denmark’s leading players and has enjoyed a successful international career.
19. Kazuhiro Hoshino
- Titles: Japanese and Asian tournament champion.
- Records: Recognized for his consistent performance in Asian competitions.
- Teams: Japan.
- Life story: Born in 1995 in Japan, Hoshino is known for his technical ability and strategy in the game.
- Fun facts: He has emerged as one of the best Japanese players today.
20. João Monteiro
- Titles: Portuguese champion and in club tournaments in Europe.
- Records: Recognized for his performance in European competitions.
- Teams: Sporting CP, Portugal.
- Life story: Born in 1986, Monteiro is one of Portugal’s leading table tennis players.
- Fun facts: He is known for his dedication to training and for being a reference point for young Portuguese players.
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The 20 best table tennis players in the world today: complete list
- Fan Zhendong
- Ma Long
- Xu Xin
- Zhang Jike
- Dimitrij Ovtcharov
- Timo Boll
- Lin Gaoyuan
- Koki Niwa
- Chuang Chih-Yuan
- Wang Chuqin
- Jang Woo-jin
- Joao Monteiro
- Patrick Franziska
- Yang Ha-eun
- Satoshi Aida
- Tetsuya Kiyohara
- Lin Jianhao
- Michael Maze
- Kazuhiro Hoshino
- João Monteiro
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