Latest news with #TableTennis
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Macau's Zhu comes out on top in Vegas, as Sun, Wang suffer shock defeats
Table tennis world champion Sun Yingsha suffered a shock defeat on Thursday, going down 3-1 to compatriot Chen Yi in the third round of the World Table Tennis United Smash in Las Vegas. The triple Olympic gold medallist had only lost one of her 33 singles matches this year before coming up against Chen, who beat the world No 1 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9. Sun's only other defeat was in February at the Asia Cup final, when she was swept by compatriot Wang Manyu. Wang was also dumped out of the Vegas competition on Thursday, going down 3-1 to Macau's Zhu Yuling. Ranked No 17 in the world, Chen said she had not expected to beat a player she had faced just once before on the international stage. At that junior tournament in 2015, Sun eased to a 3-0 win. Sun Yingsha lost a singles match for just the second time all year. Photo: Xinhua 'I did play well in the match and I am thrilled now,' she said. 'I didn't do anything special technically or tactically. 'She's the world No 1 after all, so I was just trying to fight against her the best I could. I focused on every point and may have handled it slightly better at those crucial points.
South China Morning Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Table tennis World Cup champ Calderano denied US visa over Cuba trip, misses WTT Grand Smash
Table tennis World Cup winner Hugo Calderano has been barred from entering the United States because of a visit to Cuba in 2023. Advertisement The Brazilian, who had been expected to compete at the WTT Grand Smash in Las Vegas, confirmed he had been denied a visa in a post on his social media channels on Friday. According to US regulations, any individual who has travelled to Cuba is required to obtain a visa, even if they qualify for the country's visa waiver programme (VWP), which the 29-year-old does through his Portuguese citizenship. However, if an individual has travelled to a country on the US' list of state sponsors of terrorism – which includes Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Iraq – they are no longer eligible for the VWP. Calderano had been in Havana, Cuba's capital, for the ITTF Pan American Championships two years ago, where he won his fourth singles title. Hugo Calderano in action during the men's teams quarter-finals at the Paris Olympics. Photo: AP 'I followed the same protocol as all my previous trips to the United States using my Portuguese passport,' Calderano said. 'When I was informed of the situation, I mobilised my entire team to obtain an emergency visa, but unfortunately, there was not enough time.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Herbalife India Releases Third Episode of Podcast Series - Live Your Best Life, Unscripted
'Personal Growth Through Sports: Life Lessons from Table Tennis' featuring Manika Batra BENGALURU, India, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbalife India, a leading name in health and wellness, has released a new episode of its podcast series Live Your Best Life, Unscripted. The latest episode features one of India's most celebrated athletes, Manika Batra, who shares a deeply personal and inspiring account of her journey through the world of table tennis. Titled 'Personal Growth Through Sports: Life Lessons from Table Tennis', the conversation is hosted by Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India. The episode delves into Manika's growth as a sportsperson, from her historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics to how she balances mental and physical strength, overcomes challenges, and stays grounded through discipline and self-belief. Manika also talks about the critical role of nutrition and supplementation in her career, highlighting how she maintains her fitness and performance through proper diet, consistency, and the support of trusted nutrition products during international travel and rigorous training. "Sports has been my greatest teacher," she shares. "It's taught me how to stay disciplined, how to remain mentally strong, and how to keep pushing myself no matter the situation." Ajay Khanna, who leads the conversation, said:"Manika's story is a powerful example of what it means to stay focused and committed to your dreams. Her journey reflects not just the spirit of sportsmanship but the everyday values of discipline, wellness, and giving back. It was a privilege to hear her speak with such honesty and passion, she's a true role model for aspiring athletes and for anyone working toward personal growth." From overcoming injuries and mental setbacks to her dream of launching a world-class academy for young athletes, the episode is packed with insights, stories, and moments of inspiration. The rapid-fire segment offers a fun glimpse into Manika's personality, including her favorite cheat meal (chole bhature) and the quirkiest DM she's ever received. Watch the Full EpisodeYouTube: Also available on audio platforms:Spotify: Podcasts: Music: Live Your Best Life, Unscripted continues to bring forward real stories and powerful conversations that reflect Herbalife India's commitment to wellness, performance, and purpose-driven living. Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
21-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Fan Zhendong ticket sales spark frenzy as fans praise low prices in Germany
Tickets to watch Fan Zhendong sold out within 24 hours, as fans in China praised the low prices. Fan recently signed for 1. FC Saarbrücken, with the German club's popularity soaring overnight. The Bundesliga side had expected season tickets to take weeks to sell – instead, they were snapped up within a day. The tickets – ranging from €100 (US$115.25) to €800 – cover all Saarbrücken home matches in the Table Tennis Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League, leaving many mainland Chinese fans in awe of the pricing. '€800 for a VIP pass with the best seats and access from August to June … the price is too good,' one user wrote on social media. Fans in Germany can see Fan Zhendong in action for much cheaper than in mainland China. Photo: AFP 'Roughly 6,000 Yuan for the whole season, it's such a good deal,' another comment read.
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's Fan Zhendong signs Bundesliga deal, official calls it ‘huge moment for table tennis'
Chinese star Fan Zhendong is set to return to action at club level after signing for German outfit 1. FC Saarbrücken to play in the Table Tennis Bundesliga. In a statement released on the club's website on Sunday, Fan said he could not wait for the new season to start. The Olympic champion, who has withdrawn from International Table Tennis Federation events in a row over rankings, has largely been out of action since winning gold in Paris last summer, playing only in national championships and the Chinese Table Tennis Super League. 'I'm really looking forward to the new challenge in Saarbrucken and in the TTBL,' Fan told his new club's website. 'I'm really excited to be part of this club, get to know a new environment – and celebrate many successes together with the team.' Nicolas Barrois, the Saarbruken general manager, said bringing the three-time Olympic gold medallist to the club, who finished third in the TTBL last season, was an unbelievable opportunity. Sweden's Truls Moregard is also part of the Saarbrucken team. Photo: AFP 'It happened so fast, so much so that we still find it difficult to believe it 100 per cent, but it's real,' he said. 'It wasn't just a milestone in terms of competition, it's also a huge moment for our club and table tennis in Germany and Europe.'
