China Smash table tennis tournament begins in Beijing

The China Smash, the final and most prestigious Grand Smash of the year, has commenced at Shougang Park in Beijing. The eleven-day table tennis tournament, running from October 1 to 11, features the world's elite players competing for significant ranking points and prize money, including 135,000 USD for singles winners.

Sweden is represented by six players: Truls Möregårdh, Elias Ranefur, Anton Källberg, Kristian Karlsson, Stina Källberg, and Filippa Bergand. While the men are directly qualified for the main draw, the Swedish women must compete in the qualifying rounds. Notably, top-ranked players Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong have withdrawn from the event.

Brazil's Hugo Calderano enters the competition following a runner-up finish at the WTT Champions Macau. Calderano is directly qualified for the men's singles main draw starting October 4 and will also compete in the mixed doubles alongside Bruna Takahashi.