## The governing body: ITTF
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the global governing body for table tennis, overseeing 226 national associations. It sets rules, regulates equipment, and sanctions international competitions.
## World Table Tennis (WTT)
In 2021, the ITTF launched World Table Tennis (WTT) as the commercial arm of the professional circuit:
- **WTT Grand Smash** — highest-tier events; maximum ranking points
- **WTT Champions** — second tier; strong fields, significant prize money
- **WTT Contender** — third tier; development-focused
- **WTT Youth Contender** — junior development circuit
## World Championships
Held annually (team event in even years, singles/doubles in odd years). The most prestigious title outside the Olympics.
## Olympic table tennis
Table tennis has been an Olympic sport since Seoul 1988. Current format: men's singles, women's singles, men's team, women's team.
## The East Asian dominance factor
China has dominated world table tennis for decades. South Korea, Japan, and Germany are the principal challengers. This concentration of talent makes head-to-head records and recent form especially important for predicting outcomes.
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