Legendary Liu not impressed by changes

SHENZHEN, Guangdong - Chinese table tennis great and coach of the country's men's team Liu Guoliang is concerned changes to the sport are taking their toll on players.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) this year introduced a new kind of ball, which is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

Top men's stars Ma Long and Zhang Jike this week pulled out of China's team trials for May's world championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, because of fitness problems.

And Liu believes the withdrawals are linked to the ITTF's changes.

"Every sport authority should focus on the players. They are the core part of sport," said 1996 Olympic champion Liu.

"It is better to listen to the players before making any reforms.

"The ITTF keeps making reforms, but it seems these reforms result in more injuries. We saw injuries to top players at the 2015 world championships. It's the same case (with Ma and Zhang) this time.

"I hope the ITTF do some tests before they make a final decision, and take players' advice into consideration."

Liu also urged the ITTF's athletes committee to appeal to the world governing body to consult the players more.

Zhang, who won men's singles silver at last summer's Rio Olympics, pulled out of the trials on Monday, before his teammate and Olympic singles champion Ma followed suit on Thursday.

"I played hard in the match against Lin Gaoyuan on Tuesday. I had a busy schedule," said 28-year-old world No 1 Ma.

"When playing against Zhou Kai, my waist twisted. I feel bad about this exit."

The trials have made a hectic schedule even busier for the players, but Liu was adamant the competition was necessary.

"I'd love to give players more time to rest," he said. "I like a relaxing schedule but I can't do it.

"I need to help players adjust to the busy schedules of the world championships and the Olympic Games."

Xinhua