CTTA new policy for player selection 2018

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CTTA annouced policy for player selection for tournaments in 2018.
http://www.ctta.cn/xhgg/ssxg/2018/0105/164682.html

The description is unclear/non-specific and can be interpreted differently. Hopefully CTTA or CNT will make some clarifications.
https://xw.qq.com/sports/20180105027330/SPO2018010502733000
https://xw.qq.com/sports/20180105027669/SPO2018010502766900


The most controversial part is the selection for Team World Cup and WTTTC lineup. Here are the 5 spots.
1. One singles medalist of 2017 WTTC/World Cup (ML/FZD/XX; DN/ZYL/LSW)
2. One singles medalist of 2017 China National Games (ML/FZD/WCQ; DN/LSW/ZYL)
3. One of the top 3 ranked player in trials
4. One of the top 3 ranked player in CTTSL 2017-2018 season who is not a CNT player (if all the top 3 ranked player in CTSSL are CNT players, the spot will be determined by trials or CNT evaluation)
5. One with high CTTA U21 ranking


According to 5, there will be a U21 player in Team World Cup and WTTTC lineup. However, the CTTA U21 ranking is not released and there is no specifics of how high the ranking should be.
According to 4, the ranking in CTTSL seems important. However, it is almost impossible for a provincial team player to be ranked top 3 in CTTSL. So basically this spot is determined by trials or evaluation.


For ITTF World Tour events (Plat and regular), only 6 players will play senior tour events and 4 for U21 tour events.
1. CTTA ranking top 30
2. CTTA U21 ranking top 20
3. Top 8 penholder/chopper/left-handed/pimples players among CTTA ranking top 40
4. top 5 of trials
The players will be selected based on the need for ranking, standing points, etc.
Incentive: Winner of an ITTF tour event will get qualified for the next tour event.
Penaty: A player who fails in qualification of an ITTF tour event or loses to a non-CNT player in the first round of main draw will be removed from the next tour event.


CTTA said they will release their internal ranking regularly. The details of the internal ranking and trials are not explained.


How do you feel like CTTA new policy? Do you think we will see more CNT players play internationally in 2018?
 
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CTTA annouced policy for player selection for tournaments in 2018.
http://www.ctta.cn/xhgg/ssxg/2018/0105/164682.html

The description is unclear/non-specific and can be interpreted differently. Hopefully CTTA or CNT will make some clarifications.
https://xw.qq.com/sports/20180105027330/SPO2018010502733000
https://xw.qq.com/sports/20180105027669/SPO2018010502766900


The most controversial part is the selection for Team World Cup and WTTTC lineup. Here are the 5 spots.
1. One singles medalist of 2017 WTTC/World Cup (ML/FZD/XX; DN/ZYL/LSW)
2. One singles medalist of 2017 China National Games (ML/FZD/WCQ; DN/LSW/ZYL)
3. One of the top 3 ranked player in trials
4. One of the top 3 ranked player in CTTSL 2017-2018 season who is not a CNT player (if all the top 3 ranked player in CTSSL are CNT players, the spot will be determined by trials or CNT evaluation)
5. One with high CTTA U21 ranking


According to 5, there will be a U21 player in Team World Cup and WTTTC lineup. However, the CTTA U21 ranking is not released and there is no specifics of how high the ranking should be.
According to 4, the ranking in CTTSL seems important. However, it is almost impossible for a provincial team player to be ranked top 3 in CTTSL. So basically this spot is determined by trials or evaluation.


For ITTF World Tour events (Plat and regular), only 6 players will play senior tour events and 4 for U21 tour events.
1. CTTA ranking top 30
2. CTTA U21 ranking top 20
3. Top 8 penholder/chopper/left-handed/pimples players among CTTA ranking top 40
4. top 5 of trials
The players will be selected based on the need for ranking, standing points, etc.
Incentive: Winner of an ITTF tour event will get qualified for the next tour event.
Penaty: A player who fails in qualification of an ITTF tour event or loses to a non-CNT player in the first round of main draw will be removed from the next tour event.


CTTA said they will release their internal ranking regularly. The details of the internal ranking and trials are not explained.


How do you feel like CTTA new policy? Do you think we will see more CNT players play internationally in 2018?

It's interesting to see this specific rule spelled out. I guess until now it was in 'unwritten' category.
 
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In this recent article on ITTF website, Jinxin Wang from USA compared table tennis in USA and China in terms of the system, policies and techniques, especially for young players.
https://www.ittf.com/2018/01/06/progressing-higher-levels-learn-china/
He did not explain how players are selected to Team USA to play Olympic Games and WTTC. Does anyone know? Are they also self-funded when playing OG and WTTC?


Progressing to higher levels, learn from China
1. Comparison of the table tennis systems
The difference between the United States and China is one of systems and organizations.
China’s sports system is primarily government led with a focus on directing human, material and financial resources towards achieving results in international competitions. From local level organizations to city training schools, provincial teams and the national team, a pyramid shaped system is designed to produce players who can excel at high level.
Established daily training schedules, strict supervision and enforcement added to strategic training methods require not only the effort of players but also motivated coaches and knowledge; this is why in the modern era the results of the Chinese national team have been so consistently high.
In contrast, the United States model is very different. It does not have government support; it is self-funded and is very fragmented across the country. The control from the National Olympic Committee and from the national association is limited. Athletes pay for all training and competition; they practise in private clubs and can practise anywhere they wish.
Training for players in the United States is flexible since there is no set training schedule and no national or even state level supervision. The amount of days one practices in a week is determined individually. United States players spend much of their time on academics and other extra curricular activities or hobbies.


2. National policies for table tennis in the United States and China
Among table tennis players in the United States, children and parents emphasize academics values. During high school, table tennis is merely a secondary supplement for college applications.
There is no recruitment or examination exempting policy. Colleges favour sports like basketball, athletics and swimming over table tennis.
In China, table tennis is a highly valued national sport. Athletes in China can enjoy many benefits. If a person excels at table tennis, from elementary school through college, there will be many “bonuses” offered; for example, if an athlete has sound technique, good results in competitions, a high national ranking, colleges and universities will recruit without requiring a high school examination. In fact, in addition, some prestigious colleges provide free tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Conversely, in the United States, companies often focus more on the comprehensive abilities of an individual, the level of education and internship experience. United States college graduates must pass through detailed selection procedures before they can successfully be hired; no preference is given towards table tennis expertise.
In China, the level of play in table tennis and a national athletic certificate are both highly beneficial for finding a job. In some work departments, those with table tennis expertise receive priority. Sometimes, companies specifically seek national level table tennis players. Many table tennis players rely on their athletic skill to enter universities and companies.


3. Technical differences
3.1. Foundation training
3.2 Control and first three balls
3.3 Areas for improvement
3.4 Flip technique is insufficient
3.5 The Importance of footwork and weight transfer
3.6 Awareness of consecutive short pushes
3.7 United States female players lack of initiative to step around
 
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Just curious. What does this policy mean for someone like ZJK ? Do they consider him for trials if he is healthy ???

Drunix I wanted to post this explanation in zjk thread but i guess its the answer of your question .

Chinese table tennis institution issues the new rule for selecting players which may force zhangjike to retire

Chinese table tennis experiences reform which suffers both from the inner side and the external. The most important one is if one can not pass the preliminary, or he fails in the first round, then

he will not be qualified to play for the next competition, such as the next open champion. Ittf issues the new rule that the olympic game credit will not be valid for four years . It expires after one

year . And the world champion game credit is valid for two years only . If jike wants to continue He has to register for the game held in qatar and germany in march And he has to play the

preliminary game . If jike fails the proliminary, he will lost the chance to play the next open game This will accelerate jike’s retirement . As i know reporters and fans criticised

This new rule but there 's nothing has to do . And if jike wants to continue which is many tt lovers wish , he should participate in the future opens . .
 
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CTTA made some clarifications.
http://www.ctta.cn/xhgg/qttz/2018/0107/164746.html

Some major points
1. What's the major goal to make the new selection policy?
... In 2017, Chinese players attended international tournaments for 182 times in total; in 2018, this figure will be over 600...

2. No more trials that started since 2006?
...No, there will still be trials, under certain circumstances. For example, in addition to the slots for Team World Cup and WTTTC that are determined by the results of international and national tournaments, there are slots from trials...

3. Are second tier players deprived of the opportunities to become World Champions?
No. All players have equal opportunities to compete and get selected. Each player has more opportunities to play international tournaments as there will be more than 600 attendance this year.
(I highly doubt if CTTA understands that not all CNT players can enter World Tour events with low or no world ranking.)


4. Why U21 players get their own slot?
...Senior players teach young players, young players compete with senior players...

5. Is it unfair to CNT players if provincial team players get selected by being ranked top 3 in CTTSL?
It is to motivate provincial teams and clubs and to give their players opportunities to play internationally. Since there will be more than 600 attendance this year, CNT players' opportunities will not be taken away.


6. CTTA internal ranking will be released soon.


7. The determination of Team World Cup lineup.
ML: 3rd place of 2017 World Cup
FZD: 2nd place of 2017 National Games
LGY: CNT trial winner
YZY: CNT U21 trial winner
XX: CTTSL not finished yet, determined by coach team based on experiences and style


ZYL: 1st place of 2017 World Cup
DN: 1st place of 2017 National Games
CXT: CNT & CNT U21 trial winner
WMY: CNT & CNT U21 trial winner
LSW: CTTSL not finished yet, determined by coach team on experiences and style
 
says ok, I will go back and make sure you have access. Be...
says ok, I will go back and make sure you have access. Be...
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In this recent article on ITTF website, Jinxin Wang from USA compared table tennis in USA and China in terms of the system, policies and techniques, especially for young players.
https://www.ittf.com/2018/01/06/progressing-higher-levels-learn-china/
He did not explain how players are selected to Team USA to play Olympic Games and WTTC. Does anyone know? Are they also self-funded when playing OG and WTTC?


Progressing to higher levels, learn from China
1. Comparison of the table tennis systems
The difference between the United States and China is one of systems and organizations.
China’s sports system is primarily government led with a focus on directing human, material and financial resources towards achieving results in international competitions. From local level organizations to city training schools, provincial teams and the national team, a pyramid shaped system is designed to produce players who can excel at high level.
Established daily training schedules, strict supervision and enforcement added to strategic training methods require not only the effort of players but also motivated coaches and knowledge; this is why in the modern era the results of the Chinese national team have been so consistently high.
In contrast, the United States model is very different. It does not have government support; it is self-funded and is very fragmented across the country. The control from the National Olympic Committee and from the national association is limited. Athletes pay for all training and competition; they practise in private clubs and can practise anywhere they wish.
Training for players in the United States is flexible since there is no set training schedule and no national or even state level supervision. The amount of days one practices in a week is determined individually. United States players spend much of their time on academics and other extra curricular activities or hobbies.


2. National policies for table tennis in the United States and China
Among table tennis players in the United States, children and parents emphasize academics values. During high school, table tennis is merely a secondary supplement for college applications.
There is no recruitment or examination exempting policy. Colleges favour sports like basketball, athletics and swimming over table tennis.
In China, table tennis is a highly valued national sport. Athletes in China can enjoy many benefits. If a person excels at table tennis, from elementary school through college, there will be many “bonuses” offered; for example, if an athlete has sound technique, good results in competitions, a high national ranking, colleges and universities will recruit without requiring a high school examination. In fact, in addition, some prestigious colleges provide free tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Conversely, in the United States, companies often focus more on the comprehensive abilities of an individual, the level of education and internship experience. United States college graduates must pass through detailed selection procedures before they can successfully be hired; no preference is given towards table tennis expertise.
In China, the level of play in table tennis and a national athletic certificate are both highly beneficial for finding a job. In some work departments, those with table tennis expertise receive priority. Sometimes, companies specifically seek national level table tennis players. Many table tennis players rely on their athletic skill to enter universities and companies.


3. Technical differences
3.1. Foundation training
3.2 Control and first three balls
3.3 Areas for improvement
3.4 Flip technique is insufficient
3.5 The Importance of footwork and weight transfer
3.6 Awareness of consecutive short pushes
3.7 United States female players lack of initiative to step around

I can address this.

In the US members of the National team are chosen by a single trial tournament that lasts about two days if I recall correctly. It happens every year in December, at the same place as the US Nationals (often in Las Vegas). That gets players on the national team. But because the North American region only typically has a spot for one male player (sometimes two females) based on how bad our players are, there is usually a second trial in which the top handful of American and Canadian players battle it out to see who gets to go to the Olympics (every four years). So a players spot on the US team is only for one year. Players are pretty much entirely self funded to to to the trials.

Once on the team, USATT pays for all the players to go to the WTTC (I think), but at least in 2007, an alternate player could to to the WTTC and was allowed an entry, but had to pay his own way. I know because one of my clubmates was in that position and we raised money to pay his expenses to go. (That same year many USATT officials had their way paid, which pretty much epitomizes the state USATT was in at that time. The new USATT President is an improvement for sure). In those rare cases when a US team member actually makes it to the Olympics, USATT pays all expenses. Since our male players always lose in the first round, they are expected to return to the US immediately after. Another former clubmate of mine (he also coached me) was our last Olympic representative in Rio, and he wasn't able to see the closing ceremony. He marched in the opening ceremony (a lifelong memory for him I am sure), stayed up late, played a decent match the next morning but lost, and the next day after that was on a plane back to the US.

As for the rest, everything that Jinxin Wang wrote is true about TT in the US. All clubs here are entirely self-funded by members. In much of the country, they are only open a couple of days per week and they may be only one in a decent sized city. We have no leagues to speak of. As things stand now, there is no such thing as a professional table tennis PLAYER in the US. There are professional COACHES, most but certainly not all come from China, many quite young when they get year (and not necessarily fluent in English or skilled at coaching). And they live pretty much only in large US cities.

USATT provides no salary or stipend for national team members. If you play enough tournaments you might win enough prize money to kind of break even, but bear in mind these players are competing against former Chinese provincial team members who are fresh to the US and at least for male players are better than nearly all home-grown players, at least for the first year or so after they arrive. Of course, a year of coaching kids and old men brings their level down in a hurry. There are six former US team members who have played at my club for long stretches. Of these, five made their livings from other jobs at the time they made the team (high school teacher, engineer, and three physiotherapists). Two largely made their living from playing TT, but they had to supplement by coaching (e.g. coaching me and others) and one of these played for awhile professionally in Europe. Coaching does not help top level players play better!!!!!!!!!

There are no prospects for table tennis players in the US. If one contemplates a career, the only possible way is to move to Europe while a teenager. As for coaching, it is often pretty bad. I would need another post to go into this. But even if there is decent coaching, where does one find a high level of competition to work against all the time? How in the US can one train the 8 hours per day needed as a young person? Coaching only gets you so far.

Our best prospects play until they are ready to go to university, where their table tennis exploits are evidence of discipline and high character and help them get accepted into elite US universities where they become doctors and lawyers and such.

This is true for a lot of "fringe sports" in the US (and there are a very large number of sports like that here in that category). It is very different from other sports where the US has a tradition of excellence and coaching and physical infrastructure everywhere (basketball, skating, gymnastics, baseball, swimming, football, track and field, etc. etc. etc).

One last thing I just thought of. Americans sometimes win Olympic medals in highly fringe sports, but these are sports that are kind of fringe everywhere. (Things like shooting and kayaking). Because it is fringe everywhere, nobody has a a particular advantage. Table tennis is fringe here, but it is the national sport in China, and is taken very seriously in Japan, Korea and much of Europe. So in our sport, US athletes have no chance and the USATT does not have enough money to change it.
 
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Baal, nice insider info!
I recalled an interview of US's Kanak Jha and he moved to Europe for training because of the lack of TT environment in the States.

I just found out his fundraising page for 2020 OG, a goal of $100k to cover:
"Travel for training and tournaments all around the world.
Hotel expenses and meals.
Fitness coach and training.
All training expenses
Living expenses in Sweden (my home away from home)
Physiotherapist expenses
Video Analyses
Sports Psychologist
Additional training in Asia and other Europen countries
Coaches expenses
Online schooling and tutoring expenses when necessary"


I guess he has other funding sources, otherwise $100k does not sound enough to cover the above expenses.
 
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I can address this.
...

One last thing I just thought of. Americans sometimes win Olympic medals in highly fringe sports, but these are sports that are kind of fringe everywhere. (Things like shooting and kayaking). Because it is fringe everywhere, nobody has a a particular advantage. Table tennis is fringe here, but it is the national sport in China, and is taken very seriously in Japan, Korea and much of Europe. So in our sport, US athletes have no chance and the USATT does not have enough money to change it.

I think I've just realized another reason why home team does so well at the Olympics (besides obvious home field advantage, whatever it's worth): you can send many more players, since travel expenses are much lower. Couple it together with the fact that a lot of these extra players will participate in 'fringe' sports, where winner is frequently a toss up, and voila, extra large haul of medals.
 
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