MKsporttournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, on February 23, 2025. Chinese players achieved a clean sweep of all the medals on offer in both men's and women's singles in the tournament. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-23/7bc3da3d-278f-4b80-b321-1f10de103707.jpeg" />

China's Wang Manyu (right) serves to compatriot Sun Yingsha in the women's singles final of the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, on February 23, 2025. Chinese players achieved a clean sweep of all the medals on offer in both men's and women's singles in the tournament. Photo: VCG

The entry list for the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 on March 25 has been released, with no Chinese mainland players — neither key athletes nor young prospects, registering for the event. The decision was made to focus on preparing for the National Games qualification tournament this year, domestic news site china.com reported.

The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 was not originally included in the 2024 WTT calendar. In February, the WTT announced the addition of this tournament, classified as a Challenge event, to fill scheduling gaps in the Asian region.

Top players from other associations, including Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, will still compete in Chennai. The Japanese squad features Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata, while South Korea's Shin Yubin and Jang Woojin, along with Brazilian star Hugo Calderano, are also listed among the participants.

Meanwhile, China's main players — including Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng—are set to compete in the WTT Chongqing Champions event on March 11. International stars such as Tomokazu Harimoto, Hina Hayata, and Lin Yun-Ju are also confirmed for the tournament, according to china.com. 

Additionally, WTT recently introduced a series of reforms, including changes to mandatory participation rules. The organization has removed the compulsory attendance requirement for all Grand Smash events, according to the Xinhua News agency. 

Instead, players will be invited to the remaining three Grand Smash tournaments in 2025, and each will receive two exemptions per year for Champions events, allowing for better scheduling and planning, according to Xinhua. The first event under these new policies will be the WTT Incheon Champions, scheduled for April 1-6.

Global Times