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Home , 2015 African Games, 2016 ITTF World Tour, Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Emmanuel Lebesson, Gustavo Tsuboi, ITTF Star Awards

Rio 2016 Olympic TABLE

PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES MEN Rio 2016 Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

1.

Country: Qualification method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Gold No. of Olympic Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 (Singles Debut) World Ranking: 1 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , China Career highlights: 2015 World , 2015 Men’s World Cup Champion, 2015 World Tour Grand Finals Champion Interesting story: The world number one has won 22 ITTF World Tour titles. Ma will complete his first grand slam if he wins the Men’s Singles Gold in Rio. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/MaLongOfficial Weibo: @Caption

2.

Country: China Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Gold No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 4 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Beijing, China Career Highlights: 2013, 2011 World Champion, 2011, 2014 Men’s World Cup Champion, 2012 Olympic Champion Interesting story: Zhang was named after Brazilian footballer Zico and is a big fan of Cristiano Rolnaldo. Zhang will be fighting to achieve his second Grand Slam in Rio. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/ZhangJikeOfficial Weibo: @

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 2 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

3.

Country: Qualification Method: 2015 Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Bronze, 2008 Men’s Team Silver No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 5 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Düsseldorf, Germany Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Men’s Singles Champion, 2012 Olympic Games Men’s Singles Bronze Interesting story: Born in Ukraine, Ovtcharov moved to Germany following the Chernobyl disaster. Ovtcharov swept all major titles in in 2015. Social Media accounts: http://www.facebook.com/DimitrijOvtcharov http://instagram.com/dimaovtcharov Weibo: @!"#$%&'("

4.

Country: Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 16 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 6 Age: 27 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Iwata, Japan Career Highlights: 2009 World Championships Men’s Doubles Bronze Interesting story: Mizutani was crowned Japan’s National Champion at the age of 17. He won the National Championships in January 2016 for the 8th time, which is a tied record. Social Media accounts: https://twitter.com/mizutani__jun

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 3 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

5. CHUANG Chih-Yuan

Country: Chinese Taipei Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles 4th Place No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 4 World Ranking: 7 Age: 35 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei Career Highlights: 2013 Men’s Doubles World Champion Interesting story: Chuang lost the bronze medal to Ovtcharov at the 2012 Olympics despite leading 2-1. Chuang runs a table tennis club with his mother in Kaohsiung.

6.

Country: Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 8 Age: 24 Playing style: Right/Penhold/Attack Residence: Hong Kong Career Highlights: 2016 Asian Cup Bronze, 2015 World Championships Mixed Doubles Bronze Interesting story: Wong was never the celebrated player in his junior days, but his hard work and perseverance paid off when he won his first ITTF title at the Czech Open last year, and also a bronze medal from the World Championships in mixed doubles. He is now the leading male player for Hong Kong. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/wongchuntinghkg/ https://instagram.com/tingwong0907/ Weibo: @ 0907

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 4 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

7.

Country: Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2000 Men’s Singles Quarterfinalist No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 6 World Ranking: 9 Age: 40 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , Belarus Career Highlights: 1997 World Championships Silver Interesting story: Samsonov is the chairman of the ITTF Athletes’ Commission. Samsonov holds the record for the most number of ITTF World Tour titles (26 titles). Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/VSamsonov https://instagram.com/vsamsonov_tt/ Weibo: @  )&*+(,("

8. JEONG Youngsik

Country: Republic of Korea Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 10 Age: 24 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Seoul, Korea Republic Career Highlights: 2011 World Championships Men’s Doubles Bronze, 2 World Tour titles Interesting story: Jeoung started playing at the age of 5 and has established himself as one of the top Korean players the past few years. Jeong’s father is also a table tennis player. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/youngsik.jung.102 https://instagram.com/jungyoungsik/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 5 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

9.

Country: Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Quarterfinalist, 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 12 Age: 28 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Vienna Career Highlights: 2014 European Team Champion Interesting story: Freitas first represented Portugal when he was 11 and now he practices at the Academy in . Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/marcosfreitaswebsite http://instagram.com.marcosfreitaspt https://twitter.com/marcosfreitas1

10.

Country: Germany Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2004 Men’s Singles Quarterfinalist No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 14 Age: 35 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Erbach Career Highlights: 2007 World Championships Men’s Singles Bronze, 6 time European Champion, Former world number 1 Interesting story: Despite undergoing a knee surgery in October 2015, Boll shows that he is still one of the best players in the world, as he qualified for his fifth Olympic Games 6 months later. Social Media accounts: http://www.facebook.com/timoboll https://twitter.com/timoboll Weibo: @-.*(/(00

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 6 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

11. LEE Sangsu

Country: Republic of Korea Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 15 Age: 25 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Seoul, Korea Republic Career Highlights: 2013 World Championships Mixed Doubles Silver Interesting story: In 2010, Lee created history by being the first player required to in the qualification stage to win the ITTF World Tour Slovenian Open title.

12.

Country: Hong Kong Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 16 Age: 35 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Hong Kong Career Highlights: 2012 Olympic Men’s Team 4th Place Interesting story: Tang will be taking part in Rio together with his wife/fellow teammate Tie Yana.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 7 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

13. Tiago APOLONIA

Country: Portugal Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Quarterfinalist, 2008 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 17 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Saarbrücken, Germany Career Highlights: 2014 European Team Champion Interesting story: Known as the Cristiano Ronaldo of table tennis, Apolonia plays for Saarbrücken in the Bundesliga’s final, and states that the club is like his second family. He got married in July with the German table tennis player . Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/followtiago http://instagram.com/tiagoapolonia https://twitter.com/TiagoApolonia

14. Simon GAUZY

Country: Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 18 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , France Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Team Silver Interesting story: His younger brother Paul also plays table tennis and is currently ranked 269th in the world. Roger Federer is Gauzy’s idol, he hopes to meet him soon. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/simongauzy1/ https://twitter.com/simongauzy https://www.instagram.com/simongauzy/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 8 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

15.

Country: Japan Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Quarterfinalist No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 (Singles Debut) World Ranking: 19 Age: 21 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , Japan Career Highlights: 2010 Youth Olympic Champion, 2011 World Junior Champion Interesting story: Niwa took up the under the influence of his dad, and his older sister also plays table tennis, and has represented Japan several occasions.

16. Andrej GACINA

Country: Croatia Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 16 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 20 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2011 European Men’s Doubles Gold Interesting story: Leading player for Croatia the past few years, Gacina was ranked 18th in the World Ranking list in Feb 2016, which is the highest of his career.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 9 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

17.

Country: Austria Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 21 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Vienna, Austria Career Highlights: 2015 European Team Champion Interesting story: Fegerl started with table tennis when he was two years old, but only began focusing on becoming a professional player at the age of 17. His father-in-law coached his role model , he is married to Austria’s Li Qiangbing.

18. Alexander SHIBAEV

Country: Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 23 Age: 25 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Moscow, Russia Career Highlights: 2008 European Youth Boys’ Singles Silver, 2011 European Championships Men’s’ Doubles Silver, 2010 ITTF World Tour Slovenia Open Men’s Doubles Champion Interesting story: Shibaev is enjoying the best moment of his career, as he hits a career high world ranking of 21 in June 2016.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 10 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

19. Panagiotis GIONIS

Country: Greece Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 4 World Ranking: 26 Age: 36 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Athens, Greece Career Highlights: 2013 European Championships Silver & Team Bronze Interesting story: Gionis is also a dentist by profession. He took a break from his profession of dentistry in 2014 to join German club Borussia Düsseldorf. He is now playing in the Polish League for Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Social Media accounts: https://instagram.com/gionaras

20.

Country: Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 27 Age: 25 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Halmstad, Sweden Career Highlights: 2012 European Championships Doubles Silver Interesting story: Karlsson started to play table tennis in his hometown club at the age of 8. He remained in Trollhättan until he was 16, subsequently he moved away from home to go to high school. During his high school years, Karlsson had 10 training sessions a week. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/KristianKarlssonTT http://instagram.com/kristiank91 https://twitter.com/kristiank91

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 11 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

21. LI

Country: Qatar Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 28 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2009 Mixed Doubles World Champion Interesting story: Li, former player of the Chinese national team, retired in 2007, but eight years later seized the opportunity to play for Qatar. In May 2015, he became the first athlete from a Gulf state to win an ITTF World Tour Men's singles title when he won the 2015 Belarus Open in Minsk, Belarus.

22. Par GERELL

Country: Sweden Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles First Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 29 Age: 34 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Halmstad, Sweden Career Highlights: 2015 European Championships Men’s Singles Bronze Interesting story: Par is regarded as having one of the best serve ever. At the Czech Open last year, together with opponent Adrien Mattenet, they entertained the crowd with a rally that lasted 91 shots. Social Media accounts: https://twitter.com/skaletgerell http://instagram.com/miami_steven

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 12 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

23.

Country: Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 31 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Albertslund, Denmark Career Highlights: 2010 European Youth Junior Champion Interesting story: After defeat in the first round at the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, Groth decided to start seeing a psychologist because he was tired of losing. Since then he has started to make progress and secured qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanGrothOfficial https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_groth

24.

Country: France Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 32 Age: 28 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Paris, France Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Team Silver Interesting story: After failing to qualify for the 2012 Olympics Lebesson reconsidered his future in the sport, and credits his family with helping him continue for another Olympic cycle.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 13 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

25. CHEN Chien-An

Country: Chinese Taipei Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 33 Age: 25 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2013 Men’s Doubles World Champion Interesting story: Chen was crowned World Junior Champion in 2008. And in 2013, he won the World Doubles title together with partner Chuang Chih-Yuan, which was a first for Chinese Taipei. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/ChenChienAnChenChienAn

26.

Country: Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 16 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 35 Age: 33 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2015 South East Champion Interesting story: The most senior player on the Singapore men’s team, Gao was named the Singapore Sportsman of the year in 2008.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 14 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

27.

Country: Nigeria Qualification Method: 2015 All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 38 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Madalena, Portugal Career Highlights: 2016 Africa Top 16 Cup Champion, 2014 Men’s World Cup Quarterfinalist Interesting story: Aruna serves in the Nigerian army. His World Ranking rose from 237th in February 2014 to 30th in November 2014 within a period of 9 months. He was named the 2014 ITTF Male Table Tennis Star at the annual ITTF Star Awards. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/ARUNA-Quadri-1552608018313781/ https://twitter.com/aruna6066

28. Omar ASSAR

Country: Qualification Method: 2015 All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 41 Age: 25 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Halmstad, Sweden Career Highlights: 2015 Africa Cup Champion, 2015 Africa Games Champion Interesting story: Assar is the only Arab among the world’s top 130 players. Since July 2012, he has successfully advanced from the 209th place in the World Ranking and reached 39th place this June. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Omar-Assar-1467753283481840/ http://instagram.com/omarassar

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 15 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

29. KOU Lei

Country: Ukraine Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2008 Men’s Singles Preliminary Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 43 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Offensive Residence: Donetsk, Ukraine Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Bronze Interesting story: Kou holds the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Ukraine.

30. LI Ahmet

Country: Turkey Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 45 Age: 25 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2013 Mediterranean Team Champion

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 16 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

31.

Country: Brazil Qualification Method: 2015 Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 46 Age: 20 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Germany Career Highlights: Champion, 2014 Youth Olympic Games Men’s Singles Bronze, 3 times Latin American Men’s Singles Champion, 2016 Latin America Cup Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: Calderano underwent a hand surgery in 2013, and as a result he started solving the Rubik’s cube non-stop. Now, he can solve the Rubik cube in less than 15 seconds. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/HugoCalderano http://instagram.com/hugocalderano

32.

Country: Poland Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 48 Age: 33 Playing style: Right/Penholder/Attack Career Highlights: 2013 Men’s Doubles European Champion

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 17 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

33.

Country: Austria Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2008 Men’s Team 4th Place No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 49 Age: 37 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Schwechat, Austria Career Highlights: 2015 European Team Champion, 2012 European Doubles Champion Interesting story: Gardos was member of the Austrian team that beat Germany to win a gold medal in the team event at 2015 European Championships in Yekaterinburg, Russia. It was Austria's first team table tennis gold in an European Championship.

34.

Country: Great Britain Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Round of 16 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 (Single Debut) World Ranking: 49 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Chesterfield, UK Career Highlights: 2016 World Team Championships Bronze, 2014 Men’s Singles Bronze Interesting story: Pitchford made history at the when he became the first English player to ever win a bronze medal for the Men’s Singles event. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liam- Pitchford/468034186572282 http://instagram.com/liam_pitchford93 https://twitter.com/liampitchford

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 18 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

35. WANG Yang

Country: Slovakia Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 52 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Career Highlights: 2015 Slovakia Champion

36. Jakub DYJAS

Country: Poland Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 54 Age: 20 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Ochsenhausen, Germany Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Polish Open Silver Interesting story: Dyjas is deemed one of Poland’s best talents. At the 2016 World Championships in February, he beat Portugal’s Marcos Freitas to secure the win for Poland against Portugal. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/dyja95 https://instagram.com/jakubdyjas/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 19 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

37. Bojan TOKIC

Country: Slovenia Qualification Method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2008, 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 55 Age: 35 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2011 European Championships Men’s Singles & Doubles Bronze Interesting story: Tokic had to leave his hometown Jajce due to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arrived in Nova Gorica, Slovenia his father was appointed as table tennis coach at the NTK Vrtojba club.

38.

Country: Great Britain Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 58 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Chertsey, UK Career Highlights: 2016 World Team Championships Bronze, 2014 Commonwealth Games Mixed Doubles Champion Interesting story: Drinkhall is married to ex- representative Joanna Parker, and is now a father of one and his second child is due in September. His parents were both country players while his elder brother was an England Junior National tennis champion. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Paul-Drinkhall-244960852816/ http://instagram.com/paul_drinkhall

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 20 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

39.

Country: Brazil Qualification Method: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles First Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 64 Age: 31 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Sao Paulo, Brazil Career Highlights: 2015 Pan American Games Men’s Team Gold, 2011 & 2015 ITTF-Latin American Cup Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: In his younger days he was known to dye his hair or red before major competitions. Tsuboi reached the 33th place in the men's singles World Rankings in November 2015, the highest ever ranking by a Brazilian table tennis player. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/GustavoTsuboi/

40. Soumyajit GOSH

Country: India Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 68 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Falkenberg, Sweden Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Australian Open Men’s Doubles Silver Interesting story: Ghosh was youngest Indian player at the 2012 Olympic Games in . In 2013, at age 19, he became the youngest male player to win the Indian national championships when he beat Achanta in the final. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/TTsoumyajit http://instagram.com/baban19

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 21 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

41. Eugene WANG

Country: Canada Qualification Method: North America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Team Round of 16 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 69 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Ottawa, Canada Career Highlights: 2014 North America Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: Wang starting playing at the age of 6, and his hobbies include playing football and watching movies.

42. Benedek OLAH

Country: Finland Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 72 Age: 25 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Helsinki, Finland Career Highlights: 2016 ITTF World Tour Champion Interesting story: Olah left Finland at age 16 to train and play abroad. He won his first World Tour title at the Nigeria Open this year. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Ol%C3%A1h-Pentti-Benedek- 201518573236102/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 22 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

43. Lubomir JANCARIK

Country: Czech Republic Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 73 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2008 World Championships Teams 5th place

44. Sharath Kamal ACHANTA

Country: India Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2004, 2008 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 75 Age: 34 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , India Career Highlights: 2010 Egypt Open Men’s Singles Champion, Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: Since 2004, Achanta has been managing his career in table tennis together with his work at the Indian Oil Corporation Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/sharath.kamal.1

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 23 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

45. HE Zhiwen

Country: Spain Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 4 World Ranking: 78 Age: 54 Playing style: Left/Penholder/Attack Career Highlights: 2013 European Championships Men’s Doubles Bronze Interesting story: He is oldest male table tennis player who will compete in the Olympics.

46.

Country: Romania Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 79 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2012 ITTF World Tour German Open Semifinalist

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 24 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

47. Dimitrij PROKOPCOV

Country: Czech Republic Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 80 Age: 36 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2010 European Championships Team Bronze Interesting story: Prokopcov started playing table tennis when he was six years ago. He has won the Czech league four times as a member of the El Niňo team.

48. Adam PATTANTYUS

Country: Hungary Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 128 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 86 Age: 37 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defense Career Highlights: 2015 World Championships Round of 32 Interesting story: Pattantyus caused a major upset by beating Chuang Chih-Yuan at the 2015 World Championships.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 25 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

49. Adrian CRISAN

Country: Romania Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Quarterfinalist No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 88 Age: 36 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2012 European Championships Bronze, 2005 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open Champion Interesting story: In London 2012, Crisan beat Timo Boll and entered the quarterfinals, which was his best results ever. He will be participating in his fifth Olympic Games in Rio.

50. Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC

Country: Serbia Qualification Method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2004 Men’s Doubles Quarterfinalist No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 89 Age: 40 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , Serbia Career Highlights: 2009 European Mixed Doubles Champion Interesting story: The Olympic Games in Rio are his fifth Games however, Karakasevic underlines that he will never get tired of table tennis.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 26 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

51. Noshad ALAMIYAN

Country: Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 32 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 102 Age: 24 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Babol, Iran Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Open Men’s Doubles Champion, 2012 & 2013 Asian Cup 4th Place Interesting story: In October 2013 Noshad became the first table tennis player from Iran to compete in the World Cup. At the 2012 Morocco Open in Rabat, he won the men's singles and the U21 men's singles titles, becoming only the second player - after Singapore's Ma Liang - to achieve the feat since the ITTF World Tour began in 1996.

52.

Country: Iran Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 114 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Babol, Iran Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Belgium Open Singles & Doubles Champion Interesting story: Alamian is the younger brother of Noshad, who will also be competing in the Olympics. Social Media accounts: https://www.instagram.com/nima_alamian

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 27 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

53. CHEN Feng

Country: Singapore Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 121 Age: 22 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Singapore Career Highlights: 2016 ITTF World Tour Australia Open Singles & Doubles Bronze

54. Segun TORIOLA

Country: Nigeria Qualification Method: African Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2008 Men’s Singles Third Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 7 World Ranking: 122 Age: 41 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Argentan, France Career Highlights: 2016 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open Singles & Doubles Bronze Interesting story: Having won all major titles available in Africa, Toriola will be appearing in his 7th and last Olympic Games, which is the most ever for an African in any sport. He now joins the likes of Jean-Michel Saive (BEL), Jorgen Persson (SWE) and (CRO) in the most number of Olympic Games appearances.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 28 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

55. Marcos MADRID

Country: Mexico Qualification Method: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 162 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Paris, France Career Highlights: 2014 Central America and Caribbean Champion Interesting story: Marcos’ perseverance finally paid off, qualifying for his first Olympic outing after 8 years, missing out Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/MARCOS-MADRID-188888841160017/ https://instagram.com/marcosmadridtt/ https://twitter.com/marquitosmadrid

56. Kirill GERASSIMENKO

Country: Kazakhstan Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 177 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Astana, Kazakhstan Career Highlights: Qualification for Olympic Games Interesting story: First male table tennis athlete from Kazakhstan to qualify for the Olympic Games. Kirill practices regularly at the Werner Schlager Academy in Austria. Social Media accounts: http://instagram.com/kirillgerassimenko

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 29 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

57. Andy PEREIRA

Country: Cuba Qualification Method: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 64 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 188 Age: 26 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2016 ITTF World Tour Chile Open Men’s Doubles Bronze Interesting story: Pereira enjoys playing football and his favourite teams are Real Madrid and the Cuban national team. During his free time, he plays video games and his favourite singers are Ja Rule and Don Omar. Social Media accounts: http://instagram.com/andypereira_elduro https://twitter.com/thegoldenboy

58. Padasak TANVIRIYAVECHAKUL

Country: Thailand Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 191 Age: 20 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Falkenberg, Sweden Career Highlights: 2 times Youth Olympian Interesting story: Tanviriyavechakul received an Olympic Solidarity scholarship through the International Table Tennis Federation to undergo training in Falkenberg, Sweden. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/PadasakTanviriyaveachakul https://instagram.com/thunder_bright/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 30 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

59. Brian AFANADOR

Country: Puerto Rico Qualification Method: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 206 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Utuado, Puerto Rico Career Highlights: 2014 Youth Olympics 9th place Interesting story: Together with cousin Adriana Diaz, Afanador created history becoming the first Puerto Rican table tennis players to compete at the Olympic Games. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Brian-Afanador-Rio-2016- 1554721078155886/ http://instagram.com/briantmpr

60. Marcelo AGUIRRE

Country: Paraguay Qualification Method: Tripartite Commission Invitation Place Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles First Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 229 Age: 23 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2013 Latin American Champion Interesting story: Aguirre first competed in the Olympic Games in 2008, when he was only 15 years old. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Marcelo-Aguirre-551929008200321 http://instagram.com/marceloaguirre93

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 31 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

61. Khalid ASSAR

Country: Egypt Qualification Method: 2015 All Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 229 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open Champion, 2015 African Games Bronze Interesting story: He is the younger brother of Omar, who will also compete in the Olympics. The Assar brothers will be the first siblings to ever represent Egypt in the same Olympic event. Social Media accounts: http://instagram.com/khaledassar20

62. Jorge CAMPOS

Country: Cuba Qualification Method: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 229 Age: 24 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Havana, Cuba Career Highlights: 2009 Latin American Junior Men’s Singles Champion, 2011 Pan American Games Men’s Singles Semifinalist Interesting story: For several years Campos stayed in Koping, Sweden where he practiced together with his teammate Andy Pereira under the supervision of Soren Ahlen, one of the coaches of golden generation of Swedish players. However, he has returned in early 2015 to Cuba.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 32 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

63. Zokhid KENJAEV

Country: Uzbekistan Qualification Method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 247 Age: 24 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Dustlik, Uzbekistan Career Highlights: Qualification for Olympic Games Interesting story: By qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in he became the first table tennis player from Uzbekistan to compete at an Olympics.

64. Kanak JHA

Country: of America Qualification Method: North America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 272 Age: 16 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Milpitas, USA Career Highlights: 2014 North America Cup Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: Kanak is the youngest ever male table tennis player to qualify for the Olympic Games. He is also the first US Olympian born in the 2000’s for the Rio Olympic Games. In 2014, he took part in the Men’s World Cup at 14. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/KanakJhaOfficial/

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 33 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

65. FENG Yijun

Country: United States of America Qualification Method: North America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 276 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Penhold/Attack Residence: Atlanta, USA Career Highlights: 2016 North America Cup Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: At the North America Cup in June, Feng won the title for the first time and earn his ticket to play at the prestigious Men’s World Cup in October. Social Media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/yijuntomfeng http://instagram.com/yj.feng

66. David POWELL

Country: Australia Qualification Method: Oceania Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 283 Age: 25 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Croydon, Australia Career Highlights: 2016 Oceania Cup Men’s Singles Champion Interesting story: Prior to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, he was teaching maths at Strathcona Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia. He sys his profession and his students helps to keep him focused.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 34 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

67. Saraju SAKA

Country: Congo Qualification Method: African Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Round of 128 No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 300 Age: 40 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , Nigeria Career Highlights: 2008 African Championships Champion Interesting story: Saka is the first Congo Brazzaville table tennis player to feature in three Olympic Games having made his debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

68. Chris YAN Xin

Country: Australia Qualification Method: Oceania Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 365 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: , Australia Career Highlights: 2016 Oceania Championships Champion Interesting story: Chris regularly competes in mixed doubles with his fiancee Sally Zhang who will also play in Rio. The couple met at a tournament in 2009, got engaged in 2015 and plan to get married after competing at the 2016 Olympic Games. He holds a day job working in the office of a property development company and trains at night.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 35 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3

69. Yoshua SHING

Country: Vanuatu Qualification Method: Oceania Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Men’s Singles Preliminary Round No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 615 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Port-Vila Career Highlights: 2016 Oceania Men’s Doubles Champion Interesting story: Shing became the first male table tennis athlete from Vanuatu to compete at an Olympic Games when he competed in the 2012 Games in London.

70. WANG Jianan

Country: Congo Brazzaville Qualification Method: 2015 All Africa Games Best OG Performance: Debut No. of OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: - Age: 33 Playing style: Left/Penholder/Attack Residence: Brazzaville Career Highlights: 2015 African Games Mixed Doubles Champion Interesting story: Wang has no world ranking. He surprised at the 2015 Africa Games by beating Segun Toriola in the quarterfinals and earning his spot at the Olympics.

Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 36 #Olympic #TableTennis