Singapore Smash: Chen Meng reclaims world No 1 throne and Fan Zhendong extends lead as China solidify world rankings
- Fan continues super form to beat legendary Ma in the men’s singles final, leapfrogging the reigning Olympic champion
- Chen takes top spot from Sun as women’s title changes hands between the pair yet again, as Wang closes in
China has reasserted its dominance in table tennis after the Singapore Smash, with Fan Zhendong tightening his grip on the men’s world No 1 spot and the country’s women taking the first three places in their rankings.
Fan’s win in Singapore extended his lead at the top of the rankings, while compatriot Chen Meng reclaimed her women’s throne over Sun Yingsha after the single’s finals at the Infinity Arena.
In-form Fan continued his winning ways from the world championships and WTT Cup Finals Singapore to clinch the men’s double event with Wang Chuqin.
The 25-year-old, cordially nicknamed ‘Little Fatty’ back home, impressed again as he fought back in a tight singles final against the legendary Ma Long. The win allowed him to leapfrog the reigning Olympic champion in the rankings.
Fan’s semi-final opponent, Japan’s Yukiya Uda, recorded the biggest ascent in the men’s top 50, climbing 20 spots to 29th after his victory over Qiu Dang of Germany in the quarters.
Qiu climbed nine spots to a career-best 32nd, while China’s Liang Jingkun also reached a best-ever milestone despite losing to “The Dictator” Ma in the semis.
Liang’s overall performance saw him gain enough points to dislodge previous world No 3 Hugo Calderano of Brazil, who suffered a shock exit in the early rounds.
