Macao table tennis star Zhu Yuling has climbed to fifth place in the latest ITTF World Table Tennis Rankings after winning the women’s singles title at WTT Champions Doha 2026. The victory marks a major milestone in her comeback to the top level of the sport.
Zhu earned 1,000 ranking points with her title win in Doha, moving up two places in the global standings. According to World Table Tennis (WTT), the result has returned her to the world top five for the first time since 2019. Her career-best ranking remains world number one, which she achieved in November 2017.
The 2026 season-opening tournament brought several ranking changes, rewarding players who delivered strong performances in Qatar. Zhu’s rise comes just a week after she completed 500 total weeks inside the world’s top 20.
Zhu has been steadily rebuilding her career since returning to international competition in September 2024 after a four-year break due to illness. During her time away, she also pursued doctoral studies. Since her return, she has recorded consistent results, including winning the 2025 United States Smash.
In the final at Lusail Sports Arena, Zhu defeated China’s Chen Xingtong to claim her first WTT Champions title. The WTT Star Contender Doha begins today and runs until January 18.
