Site Products

Saudi Smash: Ma Long and Jingkun Fall

(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)

Ma Long joins the list of top players taking an early exit, as he fell this afternoon to Jang Woojin on Day 3 of the WTT’s Saudi Smash.  Ma Long lost the opening game 13-11 and never recovered, falling behind early in the second game and only totaling 6 and then playing from behind again in the third (and final) game.  Jang Woojin joins Cho Daeseong as upset victors as Korea sends two into the Round of 16 (with two other players still in the mix as An Jaehyun will face Fan Zhendong and Lim Jonghoon will face Harimoto later today).  Neither Jaehyun or Jonghoon will be favored – but that has stopped the other Koreans – all of whom seem to be peaking at the perfect time ahead of the looming Olympic Games this Summer.

Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan came from behind earlier today to upset Liang Jingkun in the first Men’s Singles match of the day – and the biggest upset of the day.  A few hours later, Denmark’s Jonathan Groth equaled the result with a win over Lin Gaoyuan.  Groth came out on fire, winning the first two games, dropping the third 12-14, and then  closing the door in the fourth with a 13-11 win.  Japan’s Hiroto pulled off the 3-1 upset over Dimitrij Ovtcharov, to add to day of surprises in Saudi Arabia.

On the Men’s side, Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, Quadri Aruna, Cho Daeseong, Darko Jorgic, and Hugo Calderano have all advanced as well.  However, there are 6 more matches scheduled today, so perhaps more surprises are in store.

This year’s Saudi Smash has 2 million dollars in prize money, and the winners will get 2000 ranking points.  Nealy every top player in the world is competing – with the men having 47 of the World Top 50, and the women’s draw with 44 of the World’s Top 50.

Lots of action is on tap for this week with the Finals scheduled for next Saturday.

Visit ButterflyOnline.com for the latest table tennis news and results.

Latest News

Keep the Swing as Compact as Possible

July 16, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Backhand, only Forehand topspin from this… Read More

Reviewing Bugller with Logan Rietz

July 15, 2025
(by: Logan Rietz) I love pips.  I like chopping with them, hitting with them, anything I can do… Read More

Keep Your Elbow Closer to Your Body

July 14, 2025
WAIT FUNCTION: Serve long serve to elbow and Robot plays topspin to Forehand, Forehand spin block or counter… Read More

#3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and leads to a quick attack

July 14, 2025
[Feature] [Special feature] America’s star! Jha’s strong points #3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and… Read More

Ten Tips for Faster Footwork

July 14, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Tie your shoes tight so there’s less give when you move. Grippy shoes on non-grippy… Read More

Rogelio Castro – Third Ball Attack

July 14, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rogelio Castro is executing the “Third Ball Attack” using his… Read More

MLTT Featured Team: Chicago Wind

July 14, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Chicago Wind plan to blow over competition in the upcoming Major League… Read More

Wang Chuqin and Zhu Yuling

July 13, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Wang Chuqin made quick work of Tomokazu Harimoto in the Men’s Singles Final of the… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.