Table tennis has long been defined by Chinaâ€s overwhelming dominance — but Japanâ€s Tomokazu Harimoto is pushing back against that narrative. In a recent interview, the 21-year-old star didnâ€t mince words, claiming that only Wang Chuqin is truly playing at the top level among the Chinese menâ€s squad.
“Fan Zhendong and Lin Shidong only have a good backhand†Harimoto said, arguing that such strengths are relatively easy to counter. His bold remarks cast doubt on the aura of invincibility surrounding Chinaâ€s program, which for decades has produced world champions and Olympic gold medalists.
Harimoto also placed himself, along with Swedenâ€s Truls MöregÃ¥rdh and Brazilâ€s Hugo Calderano, in the group of players capable of consistently challenging and even beating Chinese opponents. Itâ€s a provocative statement — especially given that at the same Macau competition, Harimoto was eliminated in the very first round by world No. 48 Xue Fei, who has now beaten him twice this season.
Whether Harimotoâ€s words are confidence, strategy, or provocation, they shine a spotlight on a shifting psychological game at the highest level of table tennis. By questioning Chinaâ€s supremacy, Harimoto reframes the conversation: domination is not guaranteed, and challengers worldwide are no longer satisfied with second place.
The real test, of course, will be on the table. Can Harimoto and his peers back up their claims with victories? One thing is clear: the fight for the future of menâ€s table tennis is heating up.
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