Xu Xin returns to top position in ITTF world rankings

Chinese paddler Xu Xin has returned to the men's world number one spot after four and half years.

The 29-year-old walked away with three titles at the Japan Open last month, after winning in the men's singles, doubles and mixed competitions.

Xu Xin of China in action during the men's singles final at the Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum Lion Japan Open in Sapporo, northern Japan, Sunday, June 16, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The triumph helped him reclaim the top position in the men's singles following the rankings update.

Xu's rise to the top brings an end to Fan Zhendong's 15-month reign as world number one and Fan has fallen to third place in the rankings.

China's Lin Gaoyuan remains world number two.

While there was a significant change on the men's front, things remained the same in the women's singles rankings as Chen Meng entered her second successive month on top.