It is a great novelty for the world of table tennis. The UTTP (United Table Tennis Players Association), an association created to defend the interests of the players, will allow “A stronger voice in shaping the landscape of professional table tennis“They explain in a press release.
Among the wishes of the association, created by 22 players, “of which twelve are part of the world top 20”those of “Promote players’ well-being”protect them “Against abuse, discrimination and exploitation”ensure “A fair and equitable treatment” Regarding financial and working conditions, or even encourage “greater transparency in governance and table tennis administration”.
An announcement shared by the Lebrun
The UTTP specifies that it does not immediately wish to reveal the names of its members: “We hope to be able to do so in the near future and that our members will not have to be able to be sanctioned“, Explains the press release. The announcement on Instagram of its creation was nevertheless shared by several players, like the French Félix and Alexis Lebrun, Simon Gauzy, Prithika Pavade or the world N.8 Patrick Franziska and the N.3 Hugo Calderano.
The launch of this association comes a few months after the decision, announced in December, of three Chinese stars in the discipline to withdraw from the International Circuit (WTT). Fan Zhendong, my long and Chen Meng had explained their withdrawal by the fines imposed for non-participation on tournaments. Their decision had caused supporters and athlete worries.
In February, the World Table Tennis announced an evolution of its regulations. Among these changes, the end of the obligation for players to take part in the big smashs (equivalent of the Grand Slam tournaments in tennis), or the increase in the total amount of prize money, won during competitions.
