China’s Fan Zhendong signs Bundesliga deal, official calls it ‘huge moment for table tennis’
Olympic champion to return to competition with 1. FC Saarbrücken, who also have Sweden’s Truls Moregard in squad
Chinese star Fan Zhendong is set to return to action at club level after signing for German outfit 1. FC Saarbrücken to play in the Table Tennis Bundesliga.
In a statement released on the club’s website on Sunday, Fan, who reportedly contacted Saarbrucken on May 22 and told them, “it’s you, or no one”, said he could not wait for the new season to start.
The Olympic champion, who has withdrawn from International Table Tennis Federation events in a row over rankings, has largely been out of action since winning gold in Paris last summer, playing only in national championships and the Chinese Table Tennis Super League.
“I’m really looking forward to the new challenge in Saarbrucken and in the TTBL,” Fan told his new club’s website. “I’m really excited to be part of this club, get to know a new environment – and celebrate many successes together with the team.”
Nicolas Barrois, the team’s manager, said bringing the three-time Olympic gold medallist to the club, who finished third in the TTBL last season, was an unbelievable opportunity.
“It happened so fast, so much so that we still find it difficult to believe it 100 per cent, but it’s real,” he said. “It wasn’t just a milestone in terms of competition, it’s also a huge moment for our club and table tennis in Germany and Europe.”