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CITY: Tokyo, Japan SITE: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, 1-17-1, Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-

0051, Japan DATE: 06-10 Nov 2019 PLAYERS: 48 men 51 women 99 total COUNTRIES: 16 TABLES: 4 TABLE BRAND: San-Ei Tibhar - Infinity BALL BRAND: Double Fish 40+ FLOOR BRAND: Trioflor MEDIA CONTACT: ITTF Media Officer, James Francis, jfrancis@ittf.com

LOC Media Officer, Kana Koizumi, mediateam@marcompany.co.jp INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Zen-noh 2019 ITTF Team World Cup, the 12th edition of the Team World Cup. The Team World Cup comprises of a total of 12 men’s and 12 women’s team which are made up of a host team, Continental Champions and other top finishers at the 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships. This media kit is designed to provide an update on the Zen-noh 2019 ITTF Team World Cup. Enclosed are statistics and notes that will be of assistance during the tournament. Players’ biographies as well as statistical, historical and personal data can be found on ITTF.com. Please make player interview requests through a member of the ITTF and OC media staff located in the press room. The last edition of the ITTF Team World Cup was held in 2018 in London, and this edition of the Team World Cup will serve as the test event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Key Dates/Times 06 November 2019, 11:00am @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Women’s and Men’s Team Round 1 & 2 07 November 2019, 10:00am @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Women’s and Men’s Team Round 3 07 November 2019, end of all matches @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Final Stage Draw 08 November 2019, 1:00pm @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Women’s and Men’s Team Quarter-finals 09 November 2019, 11:00am @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Women’s and Men’s Team Semi-finals 10 November 2019, 01:00pm @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Women’s and Men’s Team Finals

ZEN-NOH 2019 TEAM WORLD CUP MEDIA KIT

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Playing System

• In the 1st stage the teams will be divided into 4 equal groups, with all the members of a group playing each other, and in the 2nd stage the group winners and runners-up will compete in a knockout.

• For the 1st stage, the highest-ranked team will be placed in Group A, the 2nd highest in Group B, the

3rd highest in Group C and the 4th highest in Group D; the remaining teams will be drawn into the groups 2 at a time in ranking order.

• For the 2nd stage, the winners of Groups A and B will be placed in positions 1 and 8 respectively and the winners of groups C and D will be drawn between positions 4 and 5; the runners-up will be drawn into the remaining places, in opposite halves from the winners of the same groups.

• In the semi-finals, the winner of the 1st quarterfinal will play the winner of the 2nd and the winner of

the 3rd will play the winner of the 4th; the winners of the semi-finals will play each other in the final.

• The tournament will be played in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis and the Regulations for International Competitions.

• All team matches shall be played on the new Olympic Test Playing System with a maximum of 4

singles and 1 doubles. Order of matches: BC vs YZ; A vs X; C vs Z; A vs Y; B vs X

• Each team has to submit their player list (Players A, B, C / Players X, Y, Z) at least 20 minutes before the start of each match.

• All individual matches of a team match shall be the best of 5 games.

• Seeding list done with the best 3 entered players and according to latest World Team Ranking

February 2019. Prize Money Champions: US$50,000 Runner-up: US$25,000 Semi-finalist: US$12,000 Position 5-8: US$6,000 Position 9-12: US$3,000 Total: US$270,000 Past Winners and Locations Men’s Team Year Host City Gold Silver 2018 London China Japan 2015 Dubai China Austria 2013 Guangzhou China Chinese Taipei 2011 Magdeburg China South Korea 2010 Dubai China South Korea 2009 Linz China South Korea 2007 Magdeburg China Hong Kong

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1995 Atlanta South Korea Germany 1994 Nimes China Sweden 1991 Barcelona China Sweden 1990 Chiba Sweden China

Women’s Team Year Host City Gold Silver 2018 London China Japan 2015 Dubai China North Korea 2013 Guangzhou China Japan 2011 Magdeburg China Japan 2010 Dubai China Singapore 2009 Linz China Singapore 2007 Magdeburg China South Korea 1995 Atlanta China Romania 1994 Nimes Russia Germany 1991 Barcelona China South Korea 1990 Chiba China North Korea

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Men’s Team Bio China Seed: 1 FAN Zhendong XU Xin LIN Gaoyuan MA Long Liang Jingkun WR 1 2 3 4 7 Age 22 29 24 31 23 Hand Right Left Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Pen-Hold Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting 2019 hasn’t been a good

year for Fan, having gone most of it without winning a major title till his 2019 German Open win while losing out his World No.1 spot for 2 months before regaining it in November.

Ever present in the Chinese Team, Xu’s reemergence as one of the leading men of Chinese table tennis saw him briefly took the World No.1 spot. Ever one to entertain, he will once again be key to the Chinese’s victory.

Once maligned for not having the best mental strength, Lin has grow since his break through in 2017 and has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Possibly the best player ever in Table Tennis, Captain Long will be an inspiration and the driving force behind the Chinese bid to win the title in Japan

Rounding up the Chinese team is Liang whose own meteoric rise has been overshowed by his more illustrious colleagues. More than a match for anyone, he should not be overlooked despite being selected for the TWC for the first time in his career.

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Japan Seed: 2

Tomokazu HARIMOTO Koki NIWA Jun MIZUTANI Maharu YOSHIMURA Jin Takuya WR 5 11 13 48 52 Age 16 25 30 26 26 Hand Right Left Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Still only 16 years old,

Harimoto is the leading man of the Japanese team and will be vital if the team harbors any hopes of winning the title on home soil. The biggest threat to the dominant Chinese team, he has the weight of the nation on his young shoulders.

A true enigma of Table Tennis, Niwa is capable of the ridiculous and moment of genius. Should he be able to pull the unexpected out of the bag, he will be unplayable for most.

A weathered veteran of the Japanese team. Mizutani’s style of play makes it hard for any player looking to end the match early with his ability to “fish” the ball back to his opponent from behind the table.

Debut TWC appearance for Yoshimura but an experience and popular player in his homeland. His uncanny ability to pull off spectacular shots will wow the crowd and leave his opponent guessing.

The second player on this Japanese team to be making his debut in the TWC, Jin will be looking to prove himself in front of his fans and justify his selection.

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Germany Seed: 3

Timo BOLL Dimitrij OVTCHAROV Patrick FRANZISKA WR 8 12 16 Age 38 31 27 Hand Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Undoubtedly a German legend, Boll has

proven that age is just a number by continuing to play at the highest level. Having missed the 2018 TWC due to injury, he will be hoping to make a statement this year in Tokyo.

The former World No.1 have found the road back to the top tough since his injury in 2018. However recent signs has shown that he is getting back to his best, winning the 2019 Europea T16 Cup and making the finals of the 2019 Czech Open

Franziska, having been in the shadows of his two teammate for a long time has been making waves recently in the international circuit. One will not be quick to forget the incredible 4-3 match against Xu Xin where he pushed the World No.1 to his limit with his unrelenting pressure and play.

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Korea Republic Seed: 4

JANG Woojin LEE Sangsu JEOUNG Youngsik LIM Jonghoon CHO Daeseong WR 14 18 21 29 138 Age 24 29 27 22 17 Hand Right Right Right Left Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Story

First ever World Tour Triple Champion and the leading man for Korea Republic. An all action style of play, Jang is likely to put up a tough fight with his incredible fighting spirit.

A distinguish player who have shown that he can compete at the highest level. Lee is the oldest in the team and will need to raise his game to help lift the team.

Having recently start his mandatory military service, Jeoung hasn’t laxed on his table tennis performance, making the finals of the Military games in Wuhan last month, he will be looking to continue his rich vein of form with his unorthodox style of play.

Despite only being 22, Lim has already established himself as a top Korean player and will be looking to use his experience from last year’s run to the TWC semi-finals to aid the team.

A big moment for the youngster and an opportunity to compete at the highest level. Cho’s performance this year has justified his selection for this first TWC.

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Sweden Seed: 5

Kristian KARLSSON Jon PERSSON Anton KALLBERG Elias RANEFUR WR 14 18 21 29 Age 24 29 27 22 Hand Right Right Right Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Brazil Seed: 6

Gustavo TSUBOI Victor ISHIY Eric JOUTI WR 28 77 85 Age 35 24 23 Hand Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Chinese Taipei Seed: 7

LIN Yun-Ju CHEN Chien-An LIAO Cheng-Ting PENG Wang-Wei WANG Tai-Wei WR 10 47 116 145 191 Age 18 28 23 23 23 Hand Left Left Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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Austria Seed: 8

Robert GARDOS Daniel HABESOHN Stefan FEGERL Andreas LEVENKO WR 33 43 81 159 Age 40 33 31 21 Hand Right Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

England Seed: 9

Liam PITCHFORD Paul DRINKHALL Sam WALKER Tom JARVIS WR 19 79 90 169 Age 25 29 24 19 Hand Right Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Nigeria Seed: 10

ARUNA Quadri OMOTAYO Olajide ABIODUN Bode SOLANKE Azeez WR 20 88 158 768 Age 31 24 39 17 Hand Right Right Right Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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USA Seed: 11

Kanak JHA ZHANG Kai FENG Yijun WR 26 213 746 Age 19 22 22 Hand Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Pen-hold

Australia Seed: 12

Kane TOWNSEND Dillion CHAMBERS Xavier DIXON WR 225 767 769 Age 26 22 20 Hand Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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Women’s Team Bio China Seed: 1 CHEN Meng LIU Shiwen SUN Yingsha WANG Manyu DING Ning WR 1 2 3 5 6 Age 25 28 19 20 29 Hand Right Right Right Right Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Chen has been almost

unstoppable this year, having won multiple titles this year to propel her to the top of the World Ranking list once again. Having won all her WS finals in the WT this year, she has a good track record of saving the best for last and making it count when necessary

2 of the biggest table tennis title in the bag for Liu in 2019, claiming the WWC title along with the World Championship crown she won earlier in the year. She will want to keep the momentum going by winning in Tokyo as well.

Sun’s rise in the Women’s games is nothing short of amazing. She became world No. 3 for the first time in her career in November 2019 and is just behind Chen Meng in number of WT titles won this year.

By her own standards, Wang is experience a less productive year in 2019 having won 3 WT titles in 2018. However, she has been ever present and is still a mighty competitor in the Women’s game.

One of the most decorated players in history of the Women’s game, Ding Ning has won everything but continues to fight. No victories to show for 2019 so far, the TWC title could be a welcomed addition to the trophy cabinet.

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Japan Seed: 2 Mima ITO Kasumi ISHIKAWA Miu HIRANO Sato HITOMI WR 7 8 10 19 Age 25 28 19 20 Hand Right Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Defending, Shake-hand Interesting Story

The biggest challenger to the Chinese dominance, Ito is a fierce competitor who is currently the leading women for the Japanese team. Her variation and ability to mix her play up keeps opponents guessing.

Having been the driving force for the Japanese team for so long, Ishikawa has since been made to take the back seat in recent events, failing to hit top form thus far this year. However, with a spot in the Olympics team on the line, she will continue to look for the break through.

Hirano shocked the world in 2017 when she won a major title by beating 3 incredibly strong opponents. Known as the “hurricane”, her speed of play on table requires her opponent to always be at their best just to keep up with her.

The only chopper in this Japanese team, Hitomi’s style of play makes it tough for anyone and may prove the secret weapon Japan needs to overcome their opponents.

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Chinese Taipei Seed: 3 CHENG I-Ching CHEN Szu-Yu CHEN Hsien-Tzu LIU Hsing-Yin SU Pei-Ling WR 11 27 56 81 143 Age 27 26 26 32 19 Hand Right Right Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Having been in the Top

10 until recently, Cheng is one of the Top players in the world. Participating in her 2nd TWC of her career, she will be looking to go one step further in Tokyo

Chen was part of the team that competed in London in 2018 and will be looking to go one step further in Tokyo

Also part of the team that competed in London 2018, Chen is a valuable member of the Chinese Taipei team.

Helping the team to the quarter-final stage in London 2018, Liu is a regular on international events and is more than capable of competing with the best.

The only new face in this Chinese Taipei team that did not compete in London 2018, Su will be looking to prove her worth in Tokyo.

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Hong Kong, China Seed: 4 DOO Hoi Kem SOO Wai Yam Minnie LEE Ho Ching Ng Wing Nam ZHU Chengzhu WR 14 29 38 78 92 Age 22 21 26 27 22 Hand Right Right Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Interesting Doo is a veteran on the

international scene despite being only 22. Having competed at the highest level, she is expected to lead a young Hong Kong, China team.

Soo has the ability to turn it up when needed as proven by her 2018 WTTC victory against Ding Ning in Halmstad. She will need to be at her best again in Tokyo.

Having made several TWC Semi-final appearance, Lee will want to make it one further and feature in the finals.

Similar to Lee, Ng has also formed part of the team that made it to several TWC Semi-finals. At 27, she is the eldest in the team and will need to use her experience to help her younger teammates.

Zhu is making her debut appearance at the TWC and will be looking to justify her selection in Tokyo.

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Korea Republic Seed: 5

SUH Hyowon JEON Jihee CHOI Hyojoo YANG Haeun SHIN Yubin WR 16 20 68 76 96 Age 32 27 21 25 15 Hand Right Left Left Right Right Playing info Defending, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Romania Seed: 6

Bernadette SZOCS Elizabeta SAMARA Adina DIACONU Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN WR 18 28 130 136 Age 24 30 20 31 Hand Right Left Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

USA Seed: 7

Lily ZHANG WU Yue Amy WANG WR 33 37 171 Age 23 29 17 Hand Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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Ukraine Seed: 8

Margaryta PESOTSKA Ganna GAPONOVA Tetyana BILENKO Solomiya BRATEYKO WR 35 63 82 194 Age 28 34 35 20 Hand Right Right Right Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Austria Seed: 9

Sofia POLCANOVA Amelie SOLJA Karoline MISCHEK LIU Jia WR 17 74 145 147 Age 25 29 21 37 Hand Left Right Left Left Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Egypt Seed: 10

Dina MESHREF Yousra HELMY Reem EL-ERAKY Farah ABDEL-AZIZ Marwa ALHODABY WR 36 99 119 138 465 Age 25 23 24 27 19 Hand Left Right Left Right Right Playing info Defending, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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Brazil Seed: 11

Bruna TAKAHASHI Jessica YAMADA Caroline KUMAHARA WR 51 148 152 Age 19 30 24 Hand Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

Vanuatu Seed: 12

Priscila TOMMY Stephanie QWEA Anolyn LULU WR 296 296 508 Age 28 25 40 Hand Right Right Right Playing info Attacking, Shake-hand Defending, Shake-hand Attacking, Shake-hand

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Tournament Facts

This is the first time that Japan is hosting the TWC since the 1990 edition in Chiba USA has the youngest men’s team at an average age of 21 years old, and Japan with the

youngest women’s team at an average age of 21.3 years old. Germany has the oldest men’s team at an average age of 32 years old, and Vanuatu with the

oldest women’s team at an average age of 31 years old. Shin Yubin (KOR) is the youngest female player at 15 years old, while Harimoto Tomokazu

(JPN) is the youngest male player at 16 years old. This edition of the TWC will serve as the test event for Tokyo 2020 Olympics Hashtags for the event are #ITTFWorldCup, #LiftTheCup, #Tokyo2019.

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