Normally, it is not noteworthy when the #1 player wins. In Chinese table tennis, however, nothing is guaranteed. At China's Olympic simulations, surprises are par for the course. In the second such simulation, held a mere three weeks ago, world #1 Fan Zhendong (pictured) was stunned in the final by world #122 Zhou Qihao. On Sunday, the third such preparatory measure since last summer was completed. This time around, Fan avoided upsets in the men's singles, ultimately topping Xu Xin, 4-3, for the title. Fan netted another medal, a simulated silver, in the men's doubles with Wang Chuqin. In the final, Fan once again faced Xu Xin, the acrobatic left-handed penholder known as a doubles specialist, paired with reigning Olympic and World Champion Ma Long. While Ma Long is arguably the greatest player of all time, having won every major title on offer, time is not on his side. The 32-year-old surprisingly lost to journeyman Xu Chenhao in the quarterfinals, underscoring the depth of China's bench and the unpredictability of competition. As China Table Tennis Association (CTTA) President Liu Guoliang observed, "It's not rare in the all-time leading Chinese team that an established paddler needs to play 110% of his or her normal level against an upbeat youngster, especially when the Olympics has been delayed for one year due to the pandemic, giving the younger generation time to grow stronger." At 24, Fan Zhendong is in his prime, an established paddler while still an upbeat youngster. Winner of four World Cups, Fan could complete the elusive "Grand Slam" by adding singles titles at the Olympics and World Championships this year. His boss Liu Guoliang is one of five men to complete the hat trick, as is his teammate Ma Long. Should Fan face Ma in either or both events, he would have to beat a member of the exclusive club in order to join it. Whatever happens, we at the very least can be assured that the outcome will not be due to any lack of preparedness.

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