Chen Meng, 30 years old, has withdrawn from the world rankings. In terms of age, it is acceptable for Chen Meng to retire at 30, as female players like Wang Nan, Zhang Yining, and Ding Ning generally faded out of the national table tennis team around the age of 30. However, considering her personal achievements, Chen Meng's withdrawal from the world rankings is regrettable.
Why is this so? Chen Meng was only one women's singles championship at the World Championships away from achieving the Grand Slam, and 2025 happens to be the year of the World Championships. If Chen Meng had chosen to persevere, she would at least have had the opportunity to pursue the Grand Slam. But now that she has chosen to withdraw, her dream of the Grand Slam is almost shattered, as she has given up on an opportunity that was within reach, which is indeed regrettable.
Can Chen Meng return to the international arena after withdrawing from the world rankings? When fans felt regretful, Liu Guoliang stepped in. Liu Guoliang's official announcement also left a path for Chen Meng, a path to continue her pursuit of the Grand Slam, making it possible once again for Chen Meng to achieve the Grand Slam.
Why is this so? As the head of the Table Tennis Association, Liu Guoliang finally spoke out in response to the withdrawals of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng during the closing stages of the Super League. It must be said that Liu Guoliang understands public opinion well. Although he is the dual head of the Table Tennis Association and WTT, this time Liu Guoliang responded as the head of the Table Tennis Association. Liu Guoliang stated that as the head of the association, he firmly supports the members in defending their rights and protecting their own interests.
Subsequently, Liu Guoliang also expressed dissatisfaction with the new measures implemented by WTT regarding player participation requirements, penalties, etc. Liu Guoliang stated that he will actively promote the establishment of veteran and renowned player participation exemption rights by WTT, and at the same time set up a bonus pool for athletes who are retiring but still actively participating in competitions, using positive incentives to guide athletes to invest in competitions.
Yes, first of all, if the rule reforms promoted by Liu Guoliang in WTT are completed, Chen Meng will still have the opportunity to return to the world rankings and participate in international competitions. Secondly, Liu Guoliang's official announcement means that Chen Meng, Fan Zhendong, and Ma Long can all represent the Chinese team in international competitions with a wild card in the future, which means that Chen Meng, Fan Zhendong, and Ma Long will still have the opportunity to participate in international competitions in the future. As long as they have the opportunity to participate in the World Championships, Chen Meng will have the opportunity to strive for the Grand Slam again. This may also be what Chen Meng's fans expect, and it is also what her mentor Ma Lin expects, because if Chen Meng achieves the Grand Slam, Ma Lin will become another coach of the national table tennis team with a Grand Slam disciple.