In the men’s team final of the London World Table Tennis Championships, the Chinese team swept Japan 3-0 to secure their 12th consecutive title. Xiang Peng, who did not play a single match, became a new world champion. Some netizens have questioned whether he “rode the coattails” of his teammates, but is that really the case?
Xiang Peng’s inclusion in the men’s team roster was not accidental. He earned his spot through internal team selection matches. Although he did not take the court during the World Championships, that decision was made by head coach Wang Hao. Xiang Peng was always an integral part of the team, just as Wang Chuqin emphasized after winning the title: the entire team is indispensable.
Former national team player Yu Heyi commented on the matter, stating: “Anyone who makes the roster has done so through their own merit. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Xiang Peng has worked incredibly hard! People don’t know how exceptional he is, and he has put in more effort than others. He fully deserves his world champion title—he earned it on his own.”
Yu Heyi added: “Whether he played or not was a strategic decision by the coach, not a reflection of his skill level. If he weren’t good enough, he wouldn’t have been selected for the team. For example, if Tomokazu Harimoto came to China, he might be able to make the national team, but there’s no guarantee he would secure a spot on the World Championships roster. Can any foreign player say with certainty that they would be selected through Chinese internal trials?”
Yu Heyi explained further: “Being selected through internal trials doesn’t mean you are the absolute best, but it provides a fair and equal opportunity. Xiang Peng earned his place through his own ability, hard work, and dedication—without any external help. He did it all on his own.”