Chinese · Guangzhou, China · Born 26 January 1990Chinese table tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest left-handed players in history, known for his distinctive penhold grip and creative style.
Born in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, on January 26, 1990, this left-handed paddler emerged from China's rigorous table tennis development system to become one of the sport's most distinctive stylists. Unlike most modern players who adopted the shakehand grip, he mastered the traditional Chinese penhold technique while developing an unprecedented reverse penhold backhand that revolutionized offensive play. His professional breakthrough came in the early 2010s when he established himself among the world's elite players. The peak of his career arrived during the mid-2010s, highlighted by his World Championship victory in men's singles at Suzhou in 2015, where he defeated Ma Long in a thrilling final. He also claimed multiple World Championship titles in men's doubles and mixed doubles, forming successful partnerships with various teammates. His Olympic achievements include silver medals in team events and mixed doubles, though individual Olympic gold remained elusive. Xu Xin's defining characteristic was his ability to generate explosive topspin from both forehand and backhand sides using the penhold grip, a technique many considered outdated in modern table tennis. His innovative shot-making and tactical creativity earned him victories over virtually every top player of his generation. He consistently ranked among the world's top three players for nearly a decade, reaching the number one position in ITTF rankings. Beyond his competitive achievements, Xu Xin's significance lies in proving that traditional Chinese techniques could thrive in contemporary table tennis. His artistic playing style, featuring impossible angles and creative solutions, attracted global audiences and inspired a new generation of penhold players. He demonstrated that technical innovation and individual expression could coexist with China's systematic approach to the sport. His career bridged the gap between table tennis's traditional roots and its modern evolution, cementing his status as one of the most influential players in the sport's recent history.
Penhold grip style and powerful backhand loops
How They Played
Left-handed penhold attacker with exceptional backhand technique
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest penhold players in modern table tennis history
Career Honours
- World Championship Singles Gold 2017
- World Championship Doubles Gold 2013
- Olympic Mixed Doubles Gold 2021
- Olympic Singles Silver 2016
- World Cup Singles Champion
Chinese Athletes