(by Steve Hopkins)

In the ITTF’s Week 17 World Rankings, Fan Zhendong stands along at the top – enjoying a massive lead with 10,598 points.  Ma Long is in second (6,804) followed by Hugo Calderano (5033), Liang Jingkun (4941), and Tomokazu Harimoto (4,583).  Fifteen players have over 3,000 points – each of thirteen players from No. 3 to No. 15 is closer to Ma Long and his second position than Ma Long is to No.1 Fan Zhendong.  Lin Yun-Ju, Ovtcharov, Xu Xin, Boll, and Lin Gaoyuan round out the top 10.

Calderano is the top South American player (and the top non-Asian player) at No. 3.  China has 5 players in the Top 10, Germany has three players in the Top 15, Korea and Sweden each have three players in the Top 25.  Africa’s top player in Quadri Aruna (No. 12).  Kanak Jha (No. 32) is the top player from North America.

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