Liu Shiwen has regained the top spot on the ITTF World Rankings ©ITTF

China's Liu Shiwen has regained top spot on the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world rankings after a superb month in which she won the World Tour Polish Open and the Women’s World Cup in Sendai.

The latter triumph continued her 100 per cent record in the World Cup, adding to her victories in 2009. 2012 and 2013 to put her level in the all-time stakes with legendary compatriot Zhang Yining.

Her performance also proved enough for her to overhaul another team-mate in reigning world champion Ding Ning.

It marks the 23rd occasion on which Liu has occupied the top spot. 

 “I’m happy to be back on the number spot," said the 24-year-old.

"I certainly hope to maintain the current good form I am in now and continue working hard to achieve more!”

Ding slips to third in the rankings, her lowest position since September 2011, with Zhu Yuling moving into second despite a quarter-final defeat at the World Cup.

Germany's surprise World Cup semi-finalist Petrissa Solja climbs from 26th to a career best, 14th, while Egypt's Dina Meshref moves to 100th after becoming the first African player to ever qualify for the main draw of the Women’s World Cup.

There are no surprises on the men's as World Championship and World Cup champion Ma Long leads the rankings for the 39th time in his career.

Ma Long continues to lead the men's list after another impressive month ©ITTF
Ma Long continues to lead the men's list after another impressive month ©ITTF

In another Chinese dominated list, teenager Fan Zhendong overtakes mixed doubles world champion Xu Xin moves up to second after claiming victory at the Polish Open, and then reaching the final on his Men’s World Cup debut in Halmstad.

Polish Open finalist Stefan Fegerl of Austria rises from 42nd to 23rd after surprising fifth-ranked London 2012 champion Zhang Jike to prevent an all-Chinese final.

Germany's Baku 2015 European Games champion Dimitrij Ovtcharov is the best placed non-Chinese player in fourth.

The full rankings can be seen here. 



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