table tennis player history

China’s Ma Long and Wang Hao retain their respective no.1 and no.2 places on the ITTF Men’s World Rankings list published by the International Table Tennis Federation on Saturday 8th May 2010; however immediately below it is all change and a sign of the times.  Notably, 22 year old Zhang Jike moves from no.6 to no.4, one place below Germany’s Timo Boll who also climbs two places. He climbs from no.5 to no.3. Meanwhile, in the reverse direction, China’s three time World champion, Wang Liqin drops two places to no.6 with 20 year old Xu Xin retaining his no.7 place with just below to more experienced hands changing places.  Changing Places Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus moves from no.9 to no.8 with Korea’s Joo Se Hyuk falling from no.9 to no.8; Denmark’s Michael Maze retains his no.10 place.  Europeans Climb Changes but the most notable changes are further down the list and emanate from two European players.  Slovakia’s Lubomir Pistej enters to the top 100 to enjoy his highest ever World ranking; he climbs from no.116 to no.89; his previous best being no.99 earlier this year in February.  Similarly, the stalwart Belarus defender Evgueni Chtchetinine makes major strides; he returns to the top 100.  He advances from no.124 to 97.  ITTF Junior Circuit Performances Rewarded Meanwhile, in the age group rankings, the noticeable mover is Japan’s Yuto Muramatsu; successful on the ITTF Junior Circuit in April, he moves from no.7 to no.3 on the ITTF Under 15 Boys’ Rankings. China’s Xin Hang and Lin Gaoyuan retain the top respective top two places with France’s Alexandre Robinot and Italy’s Leonardo Mutti all falling once place.  Alexandre Robinot is now at no.4 with Leonardo Mutti one place lower at no.5.  Remains the Same In the Under 21 Men’s World Ranking and Under 18 Boys’ World Rankings, the top three remain the same