for the shape holders, Ma Long ftw. I really like his very aggressive playing style. purely offensive. I hope Xu Xin is another rival for him too. left-handed pen holder. very impressive playing style. after all, Ma Lin, although he's not the best of all now, he's still the great one.
It has always been Liqin for me. I am not surprise Ma Long is at the top with Waldner comes in a close second. Most young TT players can relate to Ma Long as he is current, while Waldner has always been a legend.
My favourite player, at the moment, is Chan Kazuhiro; his stokes, his pushes when receiving, it's BEAST! His playing style is the most consistent i've seen so far! Well... apart from the Chinese National Team players, haha
I like Waldner and Wang Liqin. Walner is the most talented player for all time; Wang Liqin, during his period, his skill and consistency makes not many players can beat him, he was a bit unlucky in the semifinal 2003 Paris WTTC which lost to Schlager, if not, he will be the man who became 4th times WTTC Men Single Champion continuously.
Vladimir Somsonov, because of his all round play style and his consistency, more so a while ago than now, but still one of the greats.
Also Xu Xin because of his amazing, aggressive forehand loop, and Ma Lin because of his great serve and agility.
Those are just some points that stand out to me, not the only good attributes.
: )