by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
The outcome is that on the Women’s World Rankings issued on Monday 5th September, the19 year old climbs from no.150 to no.57, the highest status of her career; on the Under 21 Women’s Rankings, she advances from no.33 to no.17.
Not alone
Substantial progress but she is not alone in climbing the ladder. Likewise from Japan, Yuka Ishigaki, the winner in Bulgaria, moves from no.35, to no.31; whilst Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin, crowned champion in the Czech Republic, returns to the listings at no.51.
Both approach the previous highest of their careers. Yuka Ishigaki reached no.19 in September 2015, Yang Xiaoxin no.43 earlier in the same year in July.
Also, there is notable progress for Sweden’s Matilda Ekholm, beaten by Yang Xiaoxin at the semi-final stage in the Czech Republic; she advances from no.52 to 42, her best being no.34 in February 2013.
Downward trend
However, despite reaching the respective Women’s Singles semi-finals in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, it is the downward trend for the Japanese duo of Miyu Maeda and Honoka Hashimoto.
Miyu Maeda falls from no.63 to no.65; Honoka Hashimoto from no.47 to no.48.
Top of list
At the top of the list, there is no change; a well-earned rest being the order of proceedings after the exertions of the Olympic Games.
The Chinese quartet of Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning, Li Xiaoxia and Zhu Yuling continue to head the Women’s World Rankings, followed by Singapore’s Feng Tianwei and Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa.
Change amongst leading names
Meanwhile, Korea’s Yoon Hyobin, the Under 21 Women’s Singles winner in the Czech Republic enters the Under 21 Women’s World Rankings at no.28; a list which sees Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem move from no.6 to no.3 following her exploits at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Zhu Yuling and Japan’s Mima Ito head the list with Miu Hirano, also from Japan dropping one place to no.4.
Japan to fore
Japanese names to the fore; they are very much in evidence on both the Under 18 Girls’ and Under 15 Girls’ World Rankings.
Mima Ito, Miu Hirano and Hina Hayata occupy the top three places on the former; on the latter it is Miyu Nagasaki in pole position followed by Miyuu Kihara and Crystal Wang of the United States.
The month of August provided the highlights of the year
Download World Rankings
Monday 5th September: Latest World Rankings