Keep an eye on Chengdu at the end of November for the Mixed Team World Cup. This isnâ€t just another event—it’s a TV-driven format that completely rewrites the rules. – BLOG

By Thierry Verviers

The concept is simple: mixed teams (men and women). But the real revolution is in the scoring system.

Each match—whether singles or doubles—is played best-of-three (first to 2 games). But the team encounter doesnâ€t end after three match wins. Instead, it stops the moment one team reaches 8 total games won.

What does that change?
Everything.

There are no more dead rubbers. Every game counts. Winning 2–1 versus 2–0 immediately impacts the overall score. This keeps the tension high from the first serve to the final point.

For coaches, this is a laboratory.

This is where weâ€ll see what truly works. Coaches must manage players differently. A best-of-3 specialist—someone who starts strong and fast—becomes crucial.

Weâ€ll also get a preview of the best serve/receive patterns and short-game strategies (2–3 shots), because every point is decisive. This format is pedagogical gold for building our training plans.

Itâ€s also worth noting: this is the format selected for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. What happens in Chengdu is the blueprint for the next four years.

The heavy hitters will be there. This is one to watch closely.

More information:
– Player List Announced for ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 in Chengdu (ITTF)
– Tickets for ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 in Chengdu Go on Sale This Week (ITTF)
– ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2025 – Tournament Hub (ITTF)
– ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2024: Format (best-of-3 / 8 games) – International Table Tennis Federation

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