Table tennis fans around the world are counting down the days to one of the sport’s prestigious tournaments of the year. In just one month, Macao, China will once again become the global capital of table tennis, hosting the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup that promises drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. The world’s premier table tennis athletes will converge at the Galaxy Arena – a state-of-the-art venue where sporting excellence meets entertainment.
The 2024 edition was a special one – a triumphant return that saw Sun Yingsha and Ma Long deliver performances that will be remembered for years to come. Their victories not only showcased extraordinary talent but reignited the global passion for this historical event.
Trophies with Legendary Histories
The tournament isn’t just about winning, it’s about etching one’s name into table tennis folklore through two of the most prestigious trophies in the sport.
The Evans Cup, named after ITTF’s second president Roy Evans, has been a symbol of men’s table tennis excellence since 1980. China’s dominance is written into its very metal – 27 victories across 42 editions. Stars like Ma Lin (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006) and Fan Zhendong (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) have each claimed this trophy four times, their names now part of the cup’s living history.
Equally storied is the Hammarlund Cup, honouring the fourth ITTF president, Sven-Olaf ‘Lollo’ Hammarlund. It was presented for the first time in 1996 to Deng Yaping, the winner of the inaugural Women’s World Cup. Since then, China has claimed the Hammarlund Cup 24 out of 25 occasions Liu Shiwen stands at its pinnacle, a five-time champion (2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019) who has defined an era of women’s table tennis.
A Global Journey to Macao
This year’s tournament represents the culmination of a global qualification process. Continental Cup semi-finalists from Oceania, Pan America, Asia, Europe, and Africa have fought through intense regional competitions, each match a step closer to their Macao dream. The road to Macao has been a thrilling journey of skill, determination, and national pride. Players have battled not just for personal glory, but for the honour of representing their continents on this most prestigious stage.
The event promises another spectacular showcase of elite table tennis, with fans able to follow all the #RoadToMacao updates on ITTF’s social media pages. As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of table tennis at its finest. Stay tuned as the final details of this year’s extraordinary lineup continue to unfold.
