By One of the most popular games in the world, Table Tennis has gained popularity too quickly. This indoor game, known as ping-pong and whiff-whaff, requires incredible agility, precision, and skills. Over the years, a few players have risen to legendary status due to their exceptional talent and numerous achievements. Some tennis players have written history with their extraordinary performance, which made them the best table tennis players of all time. Are you curious to know their names? Read this blog to know the top 10 table tennis players of all time and explore their remarkable journey.
About Table Tennis
Table tennis is a fast-paced indoor game that is played on a rectangular table. The net set in the centre divides the table into two equal parts. The game is played between two or four players, positioning two players on each side of the table. They send the lightweight ball back and forth over the net with the help of a racquet, aiming to score a point by making the opponent miss a return.
The game is interesting and requires a lot of agility to score more and more points. It is a challenging game that requires strategy, concentration, and physical agility, enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. While some people play tennis as a hobby, several professionals have been renowned as the best table tennis players of all time. Let’s explore them!
List Of The Best Table Tennis Players You Should Know
We have listed the top 10 table tennis players of all time based on their achievements. Some of the best table tennis players of all time have won Olympic medals, World Championships, and several other awards that made them worth mentioning.
1. Ma Long
Regarded as the greatest table tennis player of all time, Ma Long has an extensive list of achievements. This Chinese superstar has consistently dominated the sport and secured first place on the list of the best table tennis players of all time.
Achievements
- 3 singles and 2 doubles Gold Olympic Medalist.
- Worlds Table Tennis Championships multiple times.
- Won the Grand Slam.
2. Zhang Jike
Another best tennis player male on the list is Zhang Jike, who is known for his extraordinary contributions to the game. He is a Chinese sportsperson and is regarded as one of the best table tennis players of all time.
Achievements
- Won Gold Medal in the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics in men’s singles.
- Grand Slam achiever.
3. Deng Yaping
If you are curious to know the best table tennis player, Dend Yaping is the name. Belonging to China, Deng Yaping holds the world number-one ranking for eight consecutive years, making her one of the best table tennis players of all time.
Achievements
- Won Olympic Gold Medals between 1992-1996.
- Secured several World Table Tennis Championships.
4. Jan-Ove Waldner
Jan-Ove Waldner is the Swedish former table tennis player popularly known as “Mozart of Table Tennis”. Starting his career at the age of 16, Walder won numerous awards at an early stage of his career.
Achievements
- Secured Silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- Won the World Championship in 1989.
5. Liu Guoliang
Liu Guoliang, now a coach, is one of the greatest table tennis players in the world who left an incredible mark on the sport. With several features on his cap, Liu Guoliang is counted among the best table tennis players of all time.
Achievements
- Won the men’s single Gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Known as a successful table tennis trainer.
- President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association in 2018.
6. Wang Liqin
Started playing table tennis at the age of 15, Wang Liqin has bagged some major titles. His incredible performance made him one of the best table tennis players of all time and leading skills, the best coach ever.
Achievements
- Gold Medalist in doubles at the 2020 Sydney Olympics and Bronze in 2004 & 2008 singles.
- Secured several World Championships.
- Ranked number 1 by ITTF for 25 consecutive months.
7. Timo Boll
The next sports person on the list of the top 10 best table tennis players of all time is Timo Boll. He is the best tennis player male of his era, known for forehand topspin drive. Boll’s playing techniques were ahead of the time, which always kept him at the top in his time. Today, he has the crown of one of the best tennis players of all time.
Achievements
- Maintained a high world ranking for an extended period.
- Won various European Championships awards.
8. Xu Xin
Xu Xin has left a significant mark on the world of table tennis. With exceptional skills and mind-blowing performance, Xu Xin has made his country proud. He has bagged several singles and doubles medals and awards. He is also renowned among a few penhold grip players.
Achievements
- Won the men’s team Gold Medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Bagged Silver medal in mixed doubles in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics along with Liu Shiwen
9. Wang Nan
Wang Nan is a highly accomplished Chinese best table tennis player female. She has a remarkable list of achievements, listing her as one of the best table tennis players of all time. Wang Nan made her nation proud with her incredible performance and inspired the young generation.
Achievements
- Won 4 Olympic Gold Medal
- Secured several World Championships
10. Ichiro Ogimura
Ichiro Ogimura is a former Japanese player and is known as one of the best tennis players of all time. He had a brilliant career with several achievements under his name, due to which he earned a lot of fame in sports.
Achievements
- Won 3 World No. 1 & 3 English Open titles
- Part Of the Japanese Olympic Committee and The Japan TT Association
These are a few world-famous yet best table tennis players of all time who made an indelible mark on the sport. Each player has a unique strength and skills because of which they could achieve heights in their career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do you need to play table tennis?
You will need a rectangular table, a lightweight quality ball, paddles, and a net. The better equipment you choose, the better you will play.
How many players are in the table tennis game?
The game is played between two or four players.
Who is the most successful table tennis player in history?
Ma Long is often considered the most successful table tennis player, with several Olympic Gold medals and awards.
How Do I improve my table tennis skills?
To enhance the game, practice regularly, work on your footwork, refine your skills, and focus on mastering different strokes and spins, for which training under a professional coach is a good choice.
