[adham]

Yes, the Chinese are very strong and may dominate for a long time. The reason for their success is all the factors you have listed, plus the fact that they treat the sport like their National Sport and invest huge amounts to make sure they remain the best. Their top players are heroes, so the young talented athletes like to join TT. In other countries the young talented athletes usually go to Soccer (Football) or the glamorous sports in their own country (Basketball, etc.).

However, many things haoppen in cycles. When a country dominates too much then the interest in that country starts to decline and things change. Tis happened to China in the early 1990s when the Swedes took over and also in the late 1970s with the Hungarians. But since 1995 the Chinese have been getting stronger and stronger. It's a remarkable longevity at the top (14 years). But there are always some exceptions like at the 2000 World Team Championships losing to Sweden, then at the 2003 WTTC in Paris where the Chinese men all lost. AND, just a few days ago Timo Boll won the Qatar Open beating Ma Lin in the final and other Chinese earlier. So, there is always some hope.

On the women's side, you are right. They are very far ahead, maybe only the Koreans or the Japanese could challenge them in the future.

The only thing I can say, is that other countries must try harder and some associations must make it a goal to become World Champions, like Sweden and Hungary did before.


adham