(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)

A press release this morning from World Table Tennis (WTT) seemingly reverses direction on participation requirements in key WTT Series events.  WTT announced today that they will remove mandatory participation requirements for all WTT Grand Smashes effective immediately.  Further, two annual exemptions will be possible for WTT Champions events, allowing players additional flexibility in arranging their schedules.

The same press release noted increased prize money for major events, and an increase prize share (now 15%) for the Singles Champions.  And finally, Olympic Gold Medalists will be granted the opportunity to compete in all four Grand Smashes, and all six WTT Champions events in the four years following their Olympic win.  This will help keep the most recognizable athletes attached to the WTT Series.

In December, Olympic Champions Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng filed forms with the ITTF and WTT announcing their retirements. These moves were largely due to fines that had accumulated as the two players had taken a break from competition after the Olympics.  From the players’ perspective, they had played very full schedules leading up to the Olympics and posted amazing performances, but both had fought through mental and physical challenges and felt that a break was needed (and appropriate).  However, from the view of WTT, players are given prize money (sometimes payment is given just for participating) and the system included balance between player income and the ability of WTT to market the best players and maximize income by bringing the best product to sponsors and media.

Perhaps this rule change will be what is needed to get two of the most visible athletes back in action.  That is, if the players do want to play, every stakeholder will be better off having Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng in the draw at WTT series events.

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