Beijing has been selected to host the World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash until 2028 following a competitive selection process approved by the WTT Board with the support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
The WTT Grand Smash event will be held in Beijing for the next five editions, from 2024 to 2028. The selection brings the event to Shougang Park in Shijingshan from 26 September to 6 October.
This WTT event in China joins WTT Champions Chongqing, which will be the first city in southwest China to host a WTT Series event. New venues will also be added to the WTT calendar, including Mendoza in Argentina.
Steve Dainton, Chief Executive Officer of the WTT, said: “We are honoured to be back in this Olympic city, which has not hosted a major international table tennis event of this magnitude since the 26th World Table Tennis Championships in 1961. This is a testament to the growth of the sport, the appeal of the WTT Grand Smash and the enduring appeal of the city”.
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Li Xin, Head of the Beijing Shijingshan District People’s Government, said: “Celebrated for hosting two Olympic Games in Beijing, Shijingshan District has gained invaluable experience and international recognition in organising large-scale events.”
“This selection not only honours our past, but also strengthens our commitment to developing the sports industry, improving infrastructure and service quality to ensure the success of every event we host.”
Petra Sörling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated: “Following a decision by the ITTF and WTT judging panels, Beijing has successfully and deservedly secured the right to host the China Smash for the next five years.”
Liu Guoliang, WTT Board Chair, ITTF Deputy President and President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association pointed out: “Beijing, the capital of China, is also a world-renowned sports city. It has proudly hosted both the Summer and the Winter Olympic Games. I am confident that we will not only honour our rich history but also set new milestones.”
At the end of September and beginning of October, Beijing will be the table tennis capital with a competition where players can earn 2,000 world ranking points.
