Dang Qiu

Originally Posted by iammaru

It’s not a theory. Wang Hao was exactly what you describe. I believe if prime Wang Hao was playing now, he’d still be at least in the top 10 (if not 5).

I think you're not being generous enough. Prime Wang Hao as he was No 1 back in his time, very well could be No 1 today too. In fact in his time the top 10 was even stronger than today. There are like 3-4 players in top 10 now I bet even at 38 he could beat if he was still active.
Look at Hao Shuai, he's butchering pretty much everyone in T league and the guy can barely walk anymore and is around 38 too...

Originally Posted by Zwill

I think you're not being generous enough. Prime Wang Hao as he was No 1 back in his time, very well could be No 1 today too. In fact in his time the top 10 was even stronger than today. There are like 3-4 players in top 10 now I bet even at 38 he could beat if he was still active.
Look at Hao Shuai, he's butchering pretty much everyone in T league and the guy can barely walk anymore and is around 38 too...

Yes i rate Wang Hao very high, one of my fav players, but since it’s only in theory, i want to keep it as realistic as possible. Well he could have trouble with FZD and ML (who has improved a lot since 2011-2013 when he lost important matches against WH). So top 5 is likely and top 10 is no doubt (for me).

Originally Posted by PingBirdPong

The decline in average skill level of top ten players is interesting. I think it might be because of the older generation declining, and the new generation not as ready to take over. From my POV, the society here in China has noticeably less enthusiasm for TT as in the 2000s and the early 2010s. Less classmates play, and the schools don’t push it as much.

Well I guess the same phenomena as everywhere else just a bit delayed? Kids enjoying their consoles too much, and there is no replay or ragequiting in sports. And it's sweaty and hot and cold, you're not drinking with your best buds, your mom nags you about dirty clothes etc...
But not just tabletennis, it's a common thing with all sports, but some sports are still more attractive since even if you suck you can earn good money. (like football)

Dang had a really good season in the bundesliga only having like two or three losses or so all year.

He also just beat dima in the final of the lima contender tournament after being down 0 2 in sets.
https://youtu.be/XnHqOdOxinw

Not sure if dima is at 100% again after his severe ankle injury last fall but an impressive win nonetheless, he is approaching top10 in the world.

That RPB punch block he uses is really impressive too, he improved a lot in that regard.

2 years ago I said he is the top talent and he was at the time in the ranking around 100th place. Dang Qiu 's style probably makes him more consistent and less prone to injuries and he gets top level treatment from Germany trainers. I had wars with my ex friend that he think Kulczycki will be better than Kay Stumper....no way.Kay Stumper if he won't get injuries he will be another one because.. Danny Heister is magician and if he gets someone to the club= super talent

Getting a spot on team germany is still not easy for him because Franziska is at a similar level. It depends on how long Timos body holds up, he recently had a lot of injuries.

Franziska and dang could be a tough battle for a spot in the team at world and european championships, currently dang is ranked 10th and franziska 13th, in their most recent match in the bundesliga final Franz narrowly beat dang 3 to 2 in sets.

Originally Posted by Tony's Table Tennis

Is it spot of 3 or 5?
I was thinking of 5.
Dima and Boll is guaranteed. Boll will play till he is 60.

Are there 5 spots at team worlds and euros? Do all 5 actively play or are they alternates in case of injury?