Zhuang Zedong

Zhuang Zedong introduced the Chinese close-to-the-table fast attack: a penhold grip, quick hitting off the bounce and two-sided attack that rushed defenders. He won three consecutive world singles titles, in 1961, 1963 and 1965, establishing the style that made China the leading nation. In 1971 his meeting with the American player Glenn Cowan helped begin ping-pong diplomacy.