At the turn of the year, a storm swept through the domestic table tennis world. Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng stood up to challenge the unfair terms in the WTT competitions, much like heroes who rallied the masses in the historical torrent, stirring up widespread resonance and support from renowned players at home and abroad. They fought side by side, vowing to fight for fairness and justice in the table tennis world, ready to forge ahead even if the path ahead was thorny.
In response to the severe inquiries from CCTV and major media outlets, the WTT World Table Tennis Association released a detailed statement attempting to clear up misunderstandings. It claimed that the measure of imposing fines for non-participation was not newly introduced but based on a system meticulously designed by a professional team. It also emphasized that the prize money for 2025 would increase by 20%, suggesting that Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng's protests might stem from misinterpretation. However, Fan Zhendong did not choose to let the matter rest. He held firm to his stance, continuing to wield his pen as a sword to expose the truth behind WTT, candidly stating that he only recently learned of this rule and felt indignant and puzzled about the clause that imposed fines for non-participation.
In this war without gunpowder, the confrontation between the WTT World Table Tennis Association and Fan Zhendong subtly involved Liu Guoliang as the mastermind behind the scenes. Although Liu Guoliang remained behind the scenes, he was known to all as the actual leader of the WTT World Table Tennis Association. Such regulations could hardly have been implemented without his approval. Fan Zhendong did not directly criticize Liu Guoliang by name, but his continuous exposure of WTT's lies undoubtedly narrowed Liu Guoliang's room for maneuver.
Liu Guoliang had the opportunity to become a hero in the hearts of athletes. If he could truly stand on the athletes' side and fight for more rights for them, he would undoubtedly win widespread respect and affection. However, now he forces players to participate in this "unprofitable" match with a semi-compulsory approach, allowing most of the profits to fall into the hands of management while the athletes have to pay out of their own pockets, physically and mentally exhausted. How can such practices fail to evoke resentment? Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng, as brilliant stars in the table tennis world and also Liu Guoliang's prized disciples, their turning against him is undoubtedly a strong indictment of the current state of WTT under Liu Guoliang's leadership, highlighting the unpopularity of this decision.
Now, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng have openly stated their positions. If Liu Guoliang fails to deeply reflect and make substantive changes, next year's WTT series of events will be marked with a big question mark regarding whether they can proceed smoothly. The development of the situation has become increasingly clear, and this storm in the table tennis world may completely change the future direction of WTT and even the entire sport of table tennis. Fan Zhendong is about to embark on the second stage of the Super League, and his appearance will undoubtedly spark a wider wave of attention. As a shining star in the table tennis world, every move he makes captures the hearts of countless fans and industry insiders. If he overcomes all rivals and wins the championship in the upcoming matches, it will become a focus for everyone to look forward to: will this glorious moment be graced by the personal award presentation and heartfelt handshake from Chairman Liu Guoliang?
Liu Guoliang, this legendary figure in the table tennis world, infuses each of his award presentations with encouragement and expectations for the younger generation. And Fan Zhendong, as an outstanding player in today's table tennis world, his modesty and strength have long won him widespread respect and recognition. In this context, people can't help but wonder: when the glory of victory fills the arena, will Fan Zhendong accept the award and handshake from Chairman Liu Guoliang with his signature modest demeanor, jointly witnessing this glorious moment?
Of course, some might speculate: on the competitive field, will Fan Zhendong, due to excessive focus and dedication, overlook the surrounding etiquette and formality at that moment, giving the impression of "not giving face"? However, those who know Fan Zhendong understand that this young champion, not only excels in skills but also possesses a heart that understands gratitude and respect. Therefore, such speculation may just be an overinterpretation of his pure competitive spirit.
In summary, Fan Zhendong's upcoming appearance in the second stage of the Super League will undoubtedly be a feast of great attention. As for whether he can win the championship in the competition and whether Liu Guoliang will personally present the award and shake hands with him, all these speculations will find their final answers at that moment.