New rules for women defenders ?

[Musaab]

I admit that I drank some wine. not sure though if this is the reason of what I've witnessed. I watched few minutes from the 4th set between France and Germany women singles, here is what I've seen:

1. A third referee on his feet counting every exchange (not points) between the two players.
2. After a while I noticed that actually, they are playing one single serve each instead of two. What ??
3. At some point it turns out that the exchanges shouldn't pass 12 or 13 otherwise the play stops!

Would appreciate it if anyone can explains

 

[Medax]

Sounds like the expedite rule was in play ? Search Google for "ittf expedite rule" and this sounds like what you are seeing.

 

[Steven]

It's called the expedite rule, and it's not new.. It's been there for a long while. I guess this page sums it up:
http://www.allabouttabletennis.com/basic-table-tennis-rule.html
(skip to 2010 and onwards)

 

[Medax]

Just found this report on Google too which confirms it.....http://new.ittf.com/2016/08/08/patience-determination-han-ying-books-last-eight-place/

 

[Musaab]

Thanks guys