BEIJING, Dec 29, (V7N) – Chinese table tennis icon Fan Zhendong, fresh off his Olympic men’s singles title in Paris, announced his withdrawal from the WTT World Tour on Friday, citing financial concerns over fines under participation rules. Fellow Chinese Olympian Chen Meng, the women’s singles champion in Tokyo and Paris, has also decided to step away from the tour.

The controversy arose after Fan stated he was informed of penalties for missing tournaments only recently, while the World Table Tennis (WTT) organization claims the rules have been in place since its inception four years ago.

"The rules referenced by Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng are not newly introduced," the WTT said in a statement. It emphasized the rules aim to ensure top players participate in key events to maintain the integrity of global competition.

However, Fan countered this, saying he was informed just last week that penalties would be strictly enforced starting next year.

"I’m certain that I’ve never been officially informed that I would be fined for withdrawing from competition," Fan said. "I personally received the official notice last week."

Chinese fans on social media, including the popular platform Weibo, have expressed frustration with the WTT’s stance, with some accusing the organization of "bullying" and likening it to an "overlord."

One comment read: "Penalties for withdrawing from competitions are excessive. Players should have the freedom to decide their schedules."

Fan has not participated in WTT competitions since June and skipped the WTT Finals in Japan in November.

The WTT maintains that the penalties are designed to ensure fair representation of top-tier players, a policy it believes is essential for maintaining competitive standards and engaging global audiences.

The withdrawals of Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng—two of the sport’s most prominent figures—are a significant blow to the WTT. Both players have inspired fans worldwide, and their absence will be felt in upcoming tournaments.

It remains to be seen how this conflict will evolve, but it highlights the growing tension between athletes’ autonomy and governing bodies’ efforts to regulate participation.

END/WSD/RH/