WTT Executive Director: We will keep evolving for players' needs

CHONGQING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- As the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Chongqing 2025 unfolds, WTT Executive Director of Events Mounir Bessah told Xinhua that recent reforms are aimed at prioritizing athlete welfare while elevating table tennis's global appeal.

In February, WTT announced a series of reforms, including changes to the mandatory participation rules for Smash events, granting wildcards to Olympic champions, and increasing prize money. Smash tournaments now operate on an invitation basis, with players granted two annual exemptions from Champions events to better manage their schedules.

"Now the WTT is more mature, and we are sure that the players will attend different events, because they need to attend for ranking points," Bessah explained.

Olympic gold medalists from the most recent Games - up to five men and five women, including team, singles, and mixed doubles champions - will receive automatic entry into Smash and Champions events.

"The players have made so many efforts to become Olympic champions," said Bessah, adding that WTT is committed to being player-centric and opening its doors to top players.

A prize pool increase of 1 million U.S. dollars, approved by the WTT board, prioritizes doubles and year-end finals. This move follows direct player feedback received at March's Singapore forum. Bessah noted that "doubles embody teamwork, which is a core value we are rewarding."

WTT has also made alterations to competition formats and event services. These include announcing 2026-27 schedules this year to allow players to plan ahead, and clustering events regionally to cut travel costs.

Furthermore, the number of "best-of-seven games" has been increased in order to enhance the viewing experience for the audience. In terms of medical services, physiotherapy services have been added on-site.

"WTT is still young, and we will try to improve all the levels of our activities and to be more and more professional. That's why change will always happen," Bessah acknowledged. ■