Liu, who defeated Chen Meng to win gold at the 2019 World Championships, has missed out on the chance to add an Olympic singles crown to her medal collection.

Chen and Sun Yingsha, ranked number one and two, respectively, in the world rankings, have been named as China's two women’s singles players for Tokyo 2020.

World number one Fan Zhendong and reigning Olympic champion Ma Long will represent China in the men’s singles.

Shiwen will compete in the mixed doubles alongside Xu Xin, with the duo also named in the women’s and men’s teams.

China claimed a clean sweep of four gold medals at Rio 2016 with Ma and Ding Ning winning the respective men’s and women’s titles.

No country has won more Olympic table tennis medals than China, which has racked up 28 golds, 17 silvers and eight bronzes in the sport.

Chinese Table Tennis Association President Liu Guoliang said: "There are too many unsure things and challenges, and we need a squad full of experience and confidence, adding to top-class individual skills.

"I want an all-around plan from the coaching staff who are preparing for the worst even before the Olympic Games get under way."

World number 122 Zhou Qihao stunned both Ma and Fan to win the Chinese Olympic simulation tournament in Xinxiang earlier this month, but it was not enough to secure selection for the Games.

"I had not expected [to win]," said Zhou.

"From group phase to quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final, I competed against many outstanding players, so I just went all out in every game.

"I played 120 per cent of my level in this competition."

A total of 172 athletes from 24 countries are set to compete in the table tennis tournament at the Olympics, which is due to be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from July 24 to August 6.