Table Tennis

Riocentro – Pavilion 3

AUG 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

London Olympics men’s singles gold medallist Zhang Jike (CHN)

Scoring

Games played to 11 points. Two-point winning margin required if scores are tied 10-10

Matches

Singles – best of seven games.Team competition – four singles matches and one doubles, each one best of five games

Service Ball must be thrown upwards at least 16cm prior to serve. Often thrown higher so speed of falling ball
adds spin

Table height

0.76m

1.52m

2.74m

Height of net 15.25cm

PADDLE

Rubber 2mm thick. Different rubber can be used for forehand and backhand side – distinguished by red / black colours

Most players use smooth (inverted) rubber for fast, attacking topspin play

Ball: Diameter 40mm. Weight 2.7g

Sponge: Optional layer 2mm thick adds speed or control to rubber

GRIP

Shakehand (European) Enables ease of movement onforehand and backhand shots

Penhold Traditional Asian style allows for more wrist movement andtherefore more spin

Sources: Rio 2016, Olympic.org

Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images