Chinese Table Tennis Star Took 3hrs Off From Training To Watch Taylor Swift’s Concert In Singapore, Netizens Say It’s Why He Lost His Match

Most of us are aware of the immense pressure that comes with being a professional athlete. For Guangzhou-born table tennis player, Fan Zhendong, this pressure came with an unreasonable amount of judgement. 

The 27-year-old, who was once ranked number 1 the world, lost to his compatriot Lin Shidong, 18, at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash earlier this month. The competition took place here, at the Singapore Sports Hub.

He was unable to proceed to the top 16 of the competition, and saw his position taken over by a fellow Chinese player, Wang Chuqin. 

Not long after his defeat, a clip of Zhendong enjoying himself at Taylor Swift’s Singapore gig went viral on Chinese social media.

He was seen wearing colourful friendship bracelets, carrying Taylor Swift merch, and singing excitedly to her songs at the concert — just like any other Swiftie. 

Unfortunately, Zhendong’s behaviour landed on the wrong side of the internet, seizing the attention of an angry hoard of netizens.

He was harshly criticised, with many saying he should have focused on training and not have taken time off to have fun.

Zhendong has since taken to Weibo to reflect on his loss, and defend himself against the naysayers. 

“I bought a ticket from a reseller, and took three hours off my busy schedule two days before the competition to attend the event that all Swifties dreamt of going for. Music has no boundaries, and outstanding musicians such as Taylor Swift can bring others a sense of healing and confidence. I hope that more people can open their hearts to this feeling,” he wrote. 

Zhendong continued: “In games, I am an athlete who has been nurtured by my country, and I’ve never slacked off in the 10 plus years when it comes to fighting for my country’s glory. In the limited personal time I have, I am but a normal young adult, with my own hobbies and relationships, and I will remain disciplined while staying true to myself."

Zhendong’s post was met with plenty of support, with netizens speaking up for him and cheering him on. 

Many felt that despite being a professional athlete, Zhendong has every right to enjoy himself and let loose in his free time. He was also praised for the passion he has in both work and life, with a good number of netizens promising to stand behind him.

Photos: Fan Zhendong/ Weibo, 中国体育/ Weibo