(by Steve Hopkins)

The ITTF has launched a new ranking system, transitioning from the monthly ranking list to a weekly version.  They have also simplified the ranking rules with the three largest events giving 2000 points, major championships awarding 1500 and 1000 points, and other types of events providing between 20 and 600 points.  The new system should create move movement between players as the season progresses (at least in a normal year with a full calendar of events).

The first ITTF TABLE TENNIS WORLD RANKING of 2021 is not much different from the last rankings of 2020.  Fan Zhendong, Xu Xin, and Ma Long are the top three.  Harimoto and Lin Gaoyuan have swapped spots (with Gaoyuan moving up to No. 4).  Jang Woojin has the biggest move among the Top 25 – jumping from No. 18 to No. 11.  USA’s Kanak Jha has started 2021 at No. 28.

The Women’s rankings haven’t changed much either.  It is Chen Meng, Sun Yingsha, and Mima Ito as the top 3.  The next four players are all Chinese (Wang, Ding, Zhu, Liu) followed by Cheng I-Ching, Kasumi Ishiawa and Wang Yidi to round out the Top 10.  Americans Lily Zhang and Jennifer Wu are ranked No. 30 and No. 31.  Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz is No. 18.

See the ITTF’s new weekly ranking site here.