A large group photo of the Chinese national table tennis team conceals numerous unspoken truths.
On July 18, 2025, during a China Post event, the entire national team gathered, but it was one particular group shot that sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
At the very center of the photo stands Sun Yingsha, confidently smiling. Although Wang Chuqin is positioned close to the center as well, his placement is slightly off to the side, causing many fans to lament, “It’s a bit disappointing.”
This arrangement was far from random. A closer look reveals the subtle hierarchy reflecting the team’s new competitive cycle.
Young talents Lin Shidong and Kuai Man are placed prominently in the front, radiating the vigor of the new generation. The team is undergoing a strategic transition, with emerging players rising rapidly, signaling early selections for the next Olympic cycle.
At just 19, Lin Shidong has already reached world number one, showcasing immense potential, while Kuai Man’s impressive progress has caught many eyes. Their positioning sends a clear message from the national team: the future belongs to them.
Yet, the most striking presence is the absence of Fan Zhendong. Though not physically present, his figure dominated the event via a large screen displaying highlights from his Paris Olympic final. He remains the undeniable “center figure” in spirit.
This visual statement confirms that Fan Zhendong is still the unchallenged reigning champion.
Behind the arrangement lies a straightforward and uncompromising logic: results speak louder than words; strength rules the team.
Sun Yingsha’s central placement is no accident—her aura fills the frame. Why does she command this C-position?
The answer is clear. She is not only a champion on the court but also a superstar off it.
At 24, Sun has long outgrown the “rookie” label, becoming the backbone of the women’s team. At the 2025 Doha World Table Tennis Championships, she claimed gold in both women’s singles and mixed doubles, holding four major singles titles and sitting atop the world rankings for an astonishing 157 weeks—an unshakable reign.
But success alone doesn’t define her. Sun Yingsha’s charm transcends competition. At 19, she graced the National Day parade float, her smile inspiring millions nationwide. At 23, she served as the Asian Games oath-taker, embodying the new generation’s sense of responsibility.
In 2025, at age 24, she was elected a member of the National Youth Federation Standing Committee, becoming a role model for youth across India and China alike.
Her popularity is equally impressive. With nearly 20 million followers on Weibo, any of her posts instantly ignite lively discussions. The mixed doubles partnership with Wang Chuqin, affectionately dubbed their “CP” by fans, has gained tremendous traction, making her a radiant figure both on and off the table.
In my view, Sun Yingsha’s C-position is not merely the accumulation of titles but a reflection of her ability to connect with the public and inspire passion for table tennis. Every stroke she makes signals a steady future for Chinese table tennis.
However, the brilliance at center stage inevitably casts a shadow on Wang Chuqin, who appears somewhat sidelined despite his considerable skill. Why is he relegated to the edge?
Standing at the photo’s periphery, Wang Chuqin’s placement sparked sympathy among fans, yet his “side-line” position might not be as unfortunate as it seems.
At 25, Wang is no longer the Tokyo Olympics substitute but a core pillar of the men’s team. In the 2025 Doha Championships, he secured both men’s singles and mixed doubles titles, complementing his Olympic mixed doubles and men’s team gold medals.
Ranked world number two and with 87,800 Weibo followers, Wang is unquestionably the male team’s leading figure. Yet, why does he not occupy the C-position in the group photo?
The explanation lies in the medal tally. Sun Yingsha holds four major singles titles; Wang Chuqin has just one. The difference is clear.
His surprising early exit in the Paris Olympic men’s singles round of 32 and the controversial incident involving his racket damaged his reputation, stirring criticism despite fan support. The national team maintains a strict stance: if results aren’t solid, the center spot must be conceded.
Still, Wang Chuqin’s potential is undeniable. Since his first major competition in 2019, where he won men’s doubles with Ma Long, he has beaten multiple top-ten players, claimed the WTT Macau title in 2022, swept four golds at the 2023 Asian Games, and secured titles at the 2025 Asian Cup and World Championships.
These achievements prove his caliber beyond doubt.
To me, Wang’s side positioning reflects a constructive message from the team—a form of motivation. At 25, he is still young, with every opportunity to reclaim the spotlight. The setbacks in Paris serve as lessons, helping him develop resilience under pressure.
Fans should stay patient; his story of comeback is only just beginning.
