Rio 2016 Olympic Games TABLE TENNIS
PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES WOMEN Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3
1. DING Ning
Country: China Qualification method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Silver, 2012 Women’s Team Gold No. Of Olympic Appearances (incl Rio): 2 World Ranking: 2 Age: 26 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Beijing, China Career highlights: 2011 & 2015 World Champion Interesting story: Nicknamed “Big Baby”, Ding is well liked by fans due to her bubbly character. If Ding Ning wins in Rio, she will complete the table tennis grand slam. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Dingningofficial/ Weibo: @
2. FENG Tianwei
Country: Singapore Qualification method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Bronze, 2008 Women’s Team Silver OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 4 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Singapore Career Highlights: 2012 Olympics Women’s Team Bronze, 2010 World Team Champion Interesting story: Feng led the Singapore team to the Women’s team finals during the 2008 Olympics, which was her first ever Olympic outing. This was Singapore’s first ever medal of any kind after 48 years. Social Media Accounts: 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. LI Xiaoxia
Country: China Qualification method: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Gold, 2012 Women’s Team Gold OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 5 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Beijing, China Career Highlights: 2012 Olympic Champion, 2013 World Champion Interesting story: Captain of the Chinese Women’s table tennis team, Li completed the table tennis grand slam after becoming the 2013 World Champion, and aims to defend her Olympic title in Rio. Her favorite color is pink. Li has the habit of writing diaries of her training to push herself forward. Social Media Accounts: Weibo: @
Country: Japan Qualification method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women Singles 4th Place, 2012 Women’s Team Silver OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 6 Age: 23 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Tokyo, Japan Career Highlights: 2014 & 2016 World Championships Women’s Team Silver, 2015 World Championships Mixed Doubles Silver, 2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals Champion Interesting story: In 2012, Ishikawa and her teammates created history as they became the first Japanese table tennis players to win a medal at the Olympic Games.
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. Ai FUKUHARA
Country: Japan Qualification method: World Ranking Places Best OG performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Quarterfinalist OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 4 Word Ranking: 7 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2012 Olympic Women’s Team Silver, 2016 World Championships Women’s Team Silver, Interesting story: Fukuhara received lots of media attention from the age of 3, taking part in exhibition events and television programmes. She was deemed child prodigy in Japan, as she often beat older players during tournaments. Social Media Accounts: Weibo: @!"#$%$&'('
6. HAN Ying
Country: Germany Qualification method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 8 Age: 33 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Düsseldorf, Germany Career Highlights: 2015 European Team Champion Interesting stories: Han reached her career high ranking of 8th in October 2015, after winning the Austrian Open. She is also a mother of one daughter.
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. JEON Jihee
Country: Republic of Korea Qualification method: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 11 Age: 23 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Seoul, Korea Republic Career Highlights: 2014 Asian Games Mixed Doubles Bronze, 4 ITTF World Tour titles Interesting stories: Jeon started playing table tennis under the influence of her dad, who is a table tennis coach.
8. CHENG I-Ching
Country: Chinese Taipei Qualification method: World Ranking places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 12 Age: 24 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Taipei, Chinese Taipei Career Highlights: 2016 WTTC Women’s Team Bronze, 2016 ITTF World Tour Japan Open Women’s Singles Semifinalist Interesting stories: After missing out on the previous Olympic Games due to injury, Cheng stated that the 4 year wait to Rio has been difficult.
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. YU Mengyu
Country: Singapore Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 15 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Singapore Career Highlights: 2015 World Championships Women’s Doubles Bronze, 2010 World Team Champion Interesting stories: Yu started playing table tennis at the age of 5 because her parents felt that playing sports will help her strengthen her body and her immune system. Social Media Accounts: Weibo: @)!*+,
10. Petrissa SOLJA
Country: Germany Qualification method: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 16 Age: 22 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: -.(/& '01)&2"34152(0'36 Career Highlights: 2015 Women’s World Cup Bronze Interesting stories: Solja’s breakthrough year was in 2015, when she beat several top players to reach the German Open final, and during the Women’s World Cup. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/PetrissaSolja http://instagram.com/petisolja
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. SUH Hyowon
Country: Republic of Korea Qualification method: World Ranking places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 17 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Seoul, Korea Republic Career Highlights: 3 ITTF World Tour titles Interesting stories: When Suh was 20, she had surgery to repair a herniated disc in her back. She looks up to Hyun Jung Hwa, who won the 1988 Olympics Women’s’ Doubles. Social Media Accounts: http://instagram.com/seohyowon_
12. LI Jie
Country: Netherlands Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s’ Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 21 Age: 32 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Arnhem, Netherlands Career Highlights: 2015 World Championships Women’s’ Doubles Bronze Interesting stories: After giving birth in late 2013, Li came back stronger and partnered Li Qian (POL) to a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships.
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. DOO Hoi Kem
Country: Hong Kong Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World ranking: 23 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Hong Kong Career Highlights: 2014 Youth Olympics Silver Interesting stories: Youngest in the Hong Kong team, Doo is the highest ranked female player for Hong Kong. At the Asian Olympics qualifier in April, Doo defeated World No.1 Liu Shiwen (CHN) to record her best win of her career. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/doohoikem http://instagram.com/doohoikem
14. HU Melek
Country: Turkey Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2008 Women’s’ Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 24 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2015 European Women’s’ Doubles Champion, 2013 World Championships Women’s Singles Quarterfinalist Interesting stories: In partnership with Shen Yanfei, Hu won the European Women’s’ Doubles title for the first time.
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. LEE Ho Ching
Country: Hong Kong Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Team Quarterfinals OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 26 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Hong Kong Career Highlights: 2014 World Championships Women’s Team Bronze Interesting stories: Lee started playing table tennis at the age of 7, together with her older brother. Lee caused an upset during the Asian Olympic Qualifiers beating Fukuhara Ai (JPN) for the first time. Social Media Accounts: http://instagram.com/leehoching1124
16. LIU Jia
Country: Austria Qualification: European Continental Tournament Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 27 Age: 34 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Linz, Austria Career Highlights: 2014 Europe Cup Champion Interesting stories: Liu Jia returned to international play after giving birth to her child in 2011. Liu was also awarded the Fair Play Star Award at the 2014 ITTF Star Awards.
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. YU Fu
Country: Portugal Qualification: European Continental Tournament Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 29 Age: 37 Playing style: Right/Penhold/Attack Residence: Funchal, Portugal Career Highlights: 2013 & 2015 European Championships Bronze Interesting stories: Fu became the first female Portuguese table tennis player to win a medal in an international competition when she took bronze at the 2013 European Championships in Schwechat, Austria. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/yu.fu.560
18. Elizabeta SAMARA
Country: Romania Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 30 Age: 27 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Career highlights: 2015 European Champion Interesting stories: Also known as Eliza, Samara speaks 4 languages (Romanian, English, Spanish and Italian). She is the only European women to have advanced to the finals of the Women’s’ World Cup (2012). Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabetaSamara http://instagram.com/eliza04samara
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. LI Qian
Country: Poland Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 32 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Career Highlights: 2015 World Women’s Doubles Bronze Interesting story: At the 2012 World Championships, Li Qian led the Poland team to the quarterfinals for the first time. Li Qian’s husband is a table tennis coach.
20. LI Jiao
Country: Netherlands Qualification: 2015 European Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Quarterfinals OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 33 Age: 43 Playing style: Left/Penhold/Attack Residence: Oosterbeek, Netherlands Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Champion Interesting story: Li divides her time between competing and coaching the Dutch national men’s team.
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21. RI Myong Sun
Country: Democratic Republic of Korea Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 37 Age: 24 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Pyongyang, Korea DPR Career Highlights: 2016 World Championships Women’s Team Bronze Interesting stories: Ri played in the Chinese Super league alongside current World Champion Ding Ning in 2014.
22. Polina MIKHAILOVA
Country: Russia Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 38 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: St. Petersburg, Russia Career Highlights: 2015 European Championships Women’s Singles Bronze Interesting Stories: Mikhailova caused an upset during the 2015 European Championships beating top seed Han Ying in the quarterfinals. Social Media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/polinamikhailova/
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23. CHEN Szu-Yu
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24. Georgina POTA
Country: Hungary Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 45 Age: 31 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Budapest, Hungary Career Highlights: 2014 ITTF World Tour Belgium Open Champion, 2014 Women’s World Cup Bronze Interesting stories: Pota won her first major senior title at the 2007 European Championships in the team event. She’s also named the Hungarian Table Tennis Player of the year for 2004, 2012, 2013.
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. LI Fen
Country: Sweden Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 46 Age: 39 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Malmo, Sweden Career Highlights: 2013 European Championships Women’s Singles Champion Interesting stories: Li won the women’s singles title on her international debut at the 2013 European Championships, beating Germany’s Shan Xiaona in the final.
26. Tetyana BILENKO
Country: Ukraine Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 51 Age: 32 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Residence: Schwechat, Austria Career Highlights: 1998 European Cadet Champion Interesting stories: Since 2013, Bilenko has been practising at the Werner Schlager Academy in Schwechat. Social Media Accounts: http://instagram.com/bilenkotetyana
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27. SHEN Yanfei
Country: Spain Qualification: World Ranking places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 52 Age: 36 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Cartagena, Spain Career Highlights: 2016 European Top 16 Champion Interesting stories: In 2005, Shen won the Pro Tour Grand Finals with Gao Jun in doubles. It was the first time in history that a non- Asian pair clinched the title.
28. Matilda EKHOLM
Country: Sweden Qualification: European Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 53 Age: 34 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Vienna, Austria Career Highlights: 2012 Morocco Open Champion Interesting stories: Matilda qualified for both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics but the Swedish Olympic Committee didn't approve her selection. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/matilda.ekholm.39 https://twitter.com/matiekholm
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29. SHAO Jieni
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30. LI Xue
Country: France Qualification: World Ranking places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 55 Age: 31 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Career Highlights: 2012 European Championships Women’s Singles Bronze Interesting stories: Li is a three time French National Champion, winning in 2009, 2010 and 2013
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. KIM Song-I
Country: Democratic Republic of Korea Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 56 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Career Highlights: 2 ITTF World Tour titles Interesting stories: Kim first attracted global attention at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, where she stunned favourite Gu Yuting in the group stages. She won her first World Tour title in 2012.
32. Sofia POLCANOVA
Country: Austria Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 57 Age: 21 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Linz, Austria Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Hungarian Open Doubles 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
Country: Belarus Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 60 Age: 38 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defence Career Highlights: 2010, 2012 European Champion Interesting stories: Pavlovich used to play alongside her twin sister Veronika but her sister has since retired from international play. Pavlovich is also a mother of one.
34. Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN
Country: Romania Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 62 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Schwechat, Austria Career highlights: 2009 European Championships Women’s Doubles Champion Interesting stories: Dodean is married to Portuguese player João Monteiro, and came back to international play after giving birth to her first child in 2015. Social Media Accounts: http://instagram.com/dodean_daniela
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. Suthasini SAWETTABUT
Country: Thailand Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 63 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Ranong, Thailand Career Highlights: 2015 South East Asian Champion Interesting stories: Sawettabut caused the biggest upset of her career last year at the 2015 South East Asian games where she beat top seeded Feng Tianwei to clinch the title. She has also beaten notable names such as Mima Ito. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/suthasinee-sawettabut- 154971814597722 http://instagram.com/ying091294
36. D*%*&E'$* 4;FG/3=HD7
!"#$%&'( ?;<'3= )#*+,-,.*%,"$( -;(<=1)'3%"3>1?<'@28 /01%234250&-"&6*$.0( N2O$/ 3427880*&*$.0129,$.+:2;,"<( C ="&+>2;*$?,$@( JH 7@0( AU 5+*',$@21%'+0( )">&/IE&'%2&'3=I!//'@% !*&00&2A,@B+,@B%1(2ABBV1,$(;:2'317&'0:";38&":8192'01E" 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. Barbora BALAZOVA Country: Slovakia Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 69 Age: 24 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Düsseldorf, Germany Career Highlights: 2010 European Junior Championships Women’s Doubles Champion Social Media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/barborbalazova/ 38. Iveta VACENOVSKA Country: Czech Republic Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 70 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Linz, Austria Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Team Bronze, 2012 ITTF World Tour German Open Silver Interesting stories: Vacenovská began playing table tennis when she was six years old because of her uncle, who is a table tennis coach. Besides being a professional athlete, she is also a student at the Charles University in Prague in the Department of Sport and Physical Education, and enjoys all kinds of sporting activities. 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. NI Xia Lian Country: Luxembourg Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2000 Women’s Singles Round of 16 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 4 World Ranking: 71 Age: 53 Playing style: Left/Penhold/Attack Residence: Ettelbruck, Luxembourg Career Highlights: 1996,1997 & 1998 European Top-12 Champion Interesting stories: Ni is the oldest female player competing in Rio, at 53 years old. 40. Nanthana KOMWONG Country: Thailand Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2004 Women’s Singles Round of 32 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 5 World Ranking: 75 Age: 35 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Bangkok, Thailand Career Highlights: 2004 Olympic Women’s Singles Round of 32 Interesting stories: Komwong, who serves in the army, used to be based in Europe, and adapted the European way of playing style into her game. In 2008, she beat Liu Shiwen at the Korea Open. Komwong is also fluent in Mandarin. 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. Maria DOLGIKH Country: Russia Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 76 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defense Career Highlights: 2013 ITTF World Tour Egypt Open Champion 42. Hana MATELOVA Country: Czech Republic Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 82 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Defense Career Highlights: 2 World Junior Circuit Titles Social Media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/hmatelova/ 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. Adriana DIAZ Country: Puerto Rico Qualification: Latin American Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 84 Age: 15 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Utuado, Puerto Rico Career Highlights: 2016 Latin American Junior Champion, 2015 World Cadet Challenge Team Champion Interesting stories: Diaz is the first female Puerto Rican table tennis player to qualify for the Olympics. Her countryman and cousin Brian Afanador will also be competing in Rio. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianaDiazTM/ http://instagram.com/diazadriana123 https://twitter.com/diaztabletennis 44. Carole GRUNDISH Country: France Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 90 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Paris, France Career Highlights: 4 times French Champion Interesting stories: After failing to qualify for three consecutive Olympic Games in 2004, 2008 and 2012, Grundish finally succeeded at qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 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. Eva ODOROVA Country: Slovakia Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2008 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 91 Age: 36 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Budapest, Hungary Career Highlights: 2015 European Games Semifinalist 46. Petra LOVAS Country: Hungary Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2008 Women’s Singles Second Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 93 Age: 36 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Budapest, Hungary Career Highlights: 2007 European Team Champion 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. Lily ZHANG Country: United States of America Qualification: North America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 94 Age: 20 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Palo Alto, USA Career Highlights: 2014 Youth Olympic Games Bronze, 2012 & 2015 North America Women’s Singles Champion Interesting stories: Zhang created history when she won a bronze medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, the first ever Olympic medal for the US table tennis. In order to qualify for Rio, she took a year off from university and spent 3 months in Austria honing her skills. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/lilyzhangtt http://instagram.com/lilyyz 48. Alexandra PRIVALOVA Country: Belarus Qualification: World Ranking Places Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 96 Age: 28 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Minsk, Belarus Career Highlights: 2013 ITTF World Tour Belarus Open Silver 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. Dina MESHREF Country: Egypt Qualification: All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 98 Age: 22 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Cairo, Egypt Career Highlights: 2015 African Champion Interesting stories: Meshref is the first Egyptian player to win the 2015 African Games women’s singles title. From 2014 till now, she has won all titles at stake in Africa and she will be making her second Olympic appearance in Rio. Her parents were former Egyptian national players. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Dina-Meshref-Fans-484799494909152/ http://instagram.com/dina_alaameshref 50. ZHANG Mo Country: Canada Qualification: North America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 102 Age: 27 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Vancouver, Canada Career Highlights: 2011 Pan American Games Champion, 4 times North America Women’s Singles Champion Interesting stories: In 2014, Zhang teamed with Anqi Luo to win doubles bronze at the Commonwealth Games. It was Canada’s third ever Commonwealth Games table tennis medal and first since 2002. Zhang was Canada’s lone female table tennis player qualified for London 2012, advancing one round further than she had in her Olympic debut in 2008. Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 26 #Olympic #TableTennis Rio 2016 Olympic Games Table Tennis Event 06-17 August 2016, Riocentro Pavilion 3 Country: Brazil Qualification: Latin America Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 119 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Sao Paulo, Brazil Career Highlights: 2013 Latin American Champion, 2012, 2014 & 2015 Latin America Cup Women’s Singles Champion Interesting stories: Kumahara played futsal before starting table tennis. She listens to lively music before a match. Social Media Accounts: http://instagram.com/c.kumahara 52. LAY Jian Fang !"#$%&'( !$8/('<"' )#*+,-,.*%,"$( X@2'3"'17;3/"323/'<1Y$'<"F"@'/";3 /01%234250&-"&6*$.0(2ABCA1-;023D81E"3><281);$3=1;F1JH 3427880*&*$.0129,$.+:2;,"<( P ="&+>2;*$?,$@( CAV 7@0( HG 5+*',$@21%'+0( )">&/I?23&;<=2(I!//'@% ;01,>0$.0(2Z2 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. Manika BATRA Country: India Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 130 Age: 21 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: New Delhi, India Career Highlights: 2015 Commonwealth Championships Women’s Singles Bronze, Team & Women’s Doubles Silver Interesting stories: In 2011, Batra turned down a six-month scholarship to train at the Peter Karlsson Academy in Sweden with the long-term goal of preparing her for the 2016 Olympics. Missing out on school and travelling alone to Scandinavia did not appeal to her parents, but she says she has no regrets about the decision. As a teenager, she rejected numerous modelling offers. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Manika-Batra-1706062189632894/ 54. Yadira SILVA Country: Mexico Qualification: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 131 Age: 30 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Villahermosa, Mexico Career Highlights: 2010 Latin American Champion Interesting stories: Silva started playing table tennis when she was 10 under the influence of her brother. She is married to her coach and is a proud mother of 2. Social Media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/yadirasilvallorente/ 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. GUI Lin Country: Brazil Qualification: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Singles Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 138 Age: 22 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2015 Pan American Games Women’s Singles Silver, 2015 & 2016 Latin America Championships Women’s Singles Champion Interesting stories: Leading player for the Brazilian team, Gui won the singles and team silver at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. She currently trains under the supervision of Pan-American Champion Hugo Hoyama. Social Media Accounts: https://instagram.com/lin_gui/ https://twitter.com/Lin_Gui 56. WU Yue Country: United States of America Qualification: Pan American Games Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 149 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Fort Lee, USA Career Highlights: 2015 Pan American Champion Interesting stories: Wu coached the comedian and actor Judah Friedlander. She won her first international major title at the Pan American Games last year in Toronto. Social Media Accounts: https://instagram.com/wuyuetabletennis/ 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. Mouma DAS Country: India Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2004 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 153 Age: 32 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Kolkata, India Career Highlights: 2009 Commonwealth Games Semifinalist Interesting stories: Das won the Arjuna Award, the highest recognition of outstanding performance in sport in India in 2013. 58. HAN Xing Country: Congo Brazzaville Qualification: All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 171 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Brazzaville, Congo Brazzaville Career Highlights: 2012 African Champion 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. Nadeen EL-DAWLATLY Country: Egypt Qualification: All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles First Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 200 Age: 23 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Cairo, Egypt Career Highlights: 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open Champion Interesting stories: El-Dawlatly is the first African female player to win an ITTF World Tour event and she is from a table tennis family with both her brother being the Rio 2016 Table Tennis Technical Operations Manager. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Nadeen-El-Dawlatly-262042967162118/ 60. Lady RUANO Country: Colombia Qualification: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 208 Age: 35 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Bogota, Colombia Career Highlights: 2015 ITTF World Tour Chile Open Doubles Bronze, 2016 Latin American Cup Champion Interesting stories: Ruano did not compete in table tennis for eight years while she concentrated on her university studies in sports science. She qualified for her first ITTF Women’s World Cup later this year after winning the Latin American Cup in June. Social Media Accounts: https://instagram.com/ladyruano 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. Gremlis ARVELO Country: Venezuela Qualification: Latin American Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 214 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2016 Latin America Championships Women’s Doubles Champion Social Media Accounts: https://instagram.com/andreina136 https://twitter.com/AndreinaArvelo5 62. Edem OFFIONG Country: Nigeria Qualification: African Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2004 Women’s Doubles Second Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 3 World Ranking: 217 Age: 29 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: 2015 African Championships Team Silver Interesting stories: Offiong enjoyed football a lot when she was growing up, regularly played it with men on the street and thought she would become a footballer. When she started training in table tennis, she would play football in the morning and table tennis in the afternoon, but eventually she had to choose between the two sports and chose table tennis because football had a high risk of injury and would not let her achieve as much as an athlete. 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. Olofunke OSHONAIKE Country: Nigeria Qualification: All Africa Games Best OG Performance: 2004 Women’s Singles Round of 64 OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 6 World Ranking: 228 Age: 40 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Hamburg, Germany Career Highlights: 2015 All African Games Team and Mixed Doubles Silver Interesting stories: The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will be her sixth Olympic Games, having competed at every edition since Atlanta in 1996. One of nine children, Oshonaike is a trained cosmetologist and make-up artist. She used to have her own beautician shop but closed it after the birth of her second child to concentrate on her family and sport. 64. Neda SHAHSAVARI Country: Iran Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: 2012 Women’s Singles Preliminary Round OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 2 World Ranking: 270 Age: 29 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Kermanshah, Iran Career Highlights: Qualification for 2012 Olympic Games Interesting stories: Shahsavari became the first Iranian woman to qualify for an Olympic Games in table tennis when she did so for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Social Media Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/neda.shahsavari.kermanshah/ 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. Ian LARIBA Country: Philippines Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 315 Age: 21 Playing style: Left/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Manila, Philippines Career Highlights: Qualification for Olympic Games Interesting stories: Lariba became the first Philippines table tennis player to qualify for the Olympic Games when she did so in the Asian qualification tournament in Hong Kong. 66. Melissa TAPPER !"#$%&'( !$8/('<"' )#*+,-,.*%,"$( X@2'3"'17;3/"323/'<1Y$'<"F"@'/";3 /01%234250&-"&6*$.0(2N2O$/ 3427880*&*$.0129,$.+:2;,"<( C ="&+>2;*$?,$@( GGC 7@0( AJ 5+*',$@21%'+0( Q2F/IE&'%2&'3=I!//'@% ;01,>0$.0(2Z2 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. Safa SAIDANI Country: Tunisia Qualification: African Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 446 Age: 26 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Bizerte, Tunisia Career Highlights: 2015 Arab Cup Champion 68. Mariana SAHAKIAN Country: Lebanon Qualification: Asian Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 542 Age: 38 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Yerevan, Armenia Career Highlights: Qualification for Olympic Games Interesting stories: In Rio, she will be only the third Lebanese table tennis player to have competed at the Olympic Games. 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. Heba ALLEJI Country: Syria Qualification: Tripartite Commission invitation Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 713 Age: 19 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Career Highlights: Qualification for Olympic Games Interesting stories: Alleji is the first Syrian table tennis athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. 70. Sally YEE Country: Fiji Qualification: Oceania Continental Qualification Best OG Performance: Debut OG Appearances (incl. Rio): 1 World Ranking: 799 Age: 15 Playing style: Right/Shakehand/Attack Residence: Suva, Fiji Career Highlights: 2016 Oceania Championships Doubles Bronze Interesting stories: Yee will be the youngest table tennis player to compete at an OG games, she will be 15 years and 128 days old when the Olympic Games start officially. Rio2016.com/table-tennis ITTF.com pg. 36 #Olympic #TableTennis