Why do many people think there is a big gap between Malone and Fan Zhendong?

When it comes to the main players of the National Table Tennis Team, Malone, Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong are undoubtedly recognized as the Three Musketeers. However, with the growth of age, veteran Xu Xin and Malone will inevitably choose to retire, which is also normal. As a player in the new era, Fan Zhendong has great potential for future development. Many people believe that with his talent and ability, he is expected to become the future team leader of the national table tennis team and assume the responsibility of the whole team. Therefore, people often like to compare Fan Zhendong with Malone, the first person in table tennis.

Although Malone has completed a grand slam in his career, the future of table tennis still needs to inject fresh blood. Although there is a gap between Fan Zhendong and Malone now, history tells us that "shine on you is better than blue", and we should expect that this era will not stop anyone's light. Let's talk about Malone's position in the world table tennis.

There is no doubt that Malone is good in both strength and character. Although he is now over 30 years old, suffering from injuries and depression, and his grades are declining, the camel of sushi is bigger than the horse, and Malone's overall strength is still recognized by the public. Even Zhang Benzhi and several of his players who beat him can't guarantee to win the game with him. In table tennis, he is still an insurmountable mountain. Will Fan Zhendong really shoulder heavy responsibilities in the hands of such a phenomenal veteran in the future?

Generally speaking, there is still a big gap if we can compete with Malone. The future development of Fan Zhendong can be said to be a blueprint. So far, he has won eight world championships, less than Malone's record 15, which seems to be a big gap. However, after the retirement of Malone and Xu Xin, Fan Zhendong, who can maintain its current position and momentum, still has a chance, because Fan Zhendong's technology, tactics and mentality are advanced and powerful enough to achieve self-breakthrough even in the downturn. After the storm, he will become the pillar of the national table tennis men's team.