A gold medal in the Women’s Team event, another in Women’s Doubles, and two bronze medals in Men’s Team and Women’s Singles events — that’s the impressive tally Team USA secured at last month’s Pan American Games Santiago 2023. Armed with confidence and a hunger for more success, the team is set to make waves in Chengdu.
With four players under the age of 20, Team USA embodies potential and carefree spirit, brimming with seemingly boundless possibilities. At 27 years old, Lily Zhang, almost a veteran in this young team, will lead, drawing from her experience in significant world-title events such as Houston 2021, where she became the first US medallist at the World Table Tennis Championships since 1959.
Team USA (#14 Seed)
Amy WANG (World No.30)
At the age of 20, Amy Wang left an indelible mark at the ITTF Pan American Championships 2023, clinching the title by triumphing over formidable opponents Adriana Diaz and Bruna Takahashi in nail-biting encounters.
Lily ZHANG (World No.45)
Lily Zhang, a five-time US national champion, has represented her country on the biggest stages, including the ITTF World Championships Finals and the Olympic Games. The American stunned fans across the globe at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in Chengdu, defying all the odds to become the first player from the Land of Stars and Stripes to reach the semi-finals in the history of the event.
Rachel SUNG (World No.175)
At 19, the young left-handed attacker, Rachel Sung, claimed gold at the 2022 U.S Open Table Tennis Championships in both U21 Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles. Ranked 20th in women’s doubles with Amy Wang, the duo recently secured gold at the Pan American Games, showcasing a tacit understanding that makes them a formidable doubles team.
Jishan LIANG (World No.151)
A seasoned doubles player, Jishan Liang has the potential to contribute valuable points to Team USA in both mixed doubles, where his partnership with Lily Zhang is ranked 49th, and in men’s doubles.
Sid NARESH (World No.190)
Introduced to table tennis at the age of 7 by their father, Sid Naresh, now 19, has progressed steadily through the age groups. In the 2021 U.S. National Championships held in Las Vegas, he clinched U17 Gold, U19 Silver, and U21 Silver.
Nandan NARESH (World No.288)
Guided by his father and elder brother Sid, Nandan joined the national team at the tender age of 10. At just 16, he has already emerged as the winner of the 2023 U.S. Adult National Team Trials and secured a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American U19 Championships, bringing youthful exuberance and talent to the Team USA roster.
What sparks will the young players of Team USA ignite on the world stage?
*Rankings according to latest on 21/11/2023
