Chinese 'Romania's bronze is inexcusable; we're taking gold!' — The ultimate double standard as a sacred table tennis table is stepped on

*This content was translated by AI.

A scene where athletes, unable to contain their joy, climb onto the table that should be sacred. One instance drew fierce criticism as "inexcusable," while another was praised as "fighting spirit." The global table tennis community is outraged by China's unprecedented "double standard" and hypocritical behavior.

The incident erupted immediately after the team final of the "2026 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Championships" held at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, UK, on the 10th (Korean time). At the moment Chinese newcomer Linsdong (21) defeated Japan's Doga Shunsuke (25) to secure the championship, instead of throwing his racket, he leaped onto the table tennis table.

Linsdong stomped on the table with both feet, then pointed to the five-star red flag on his chest and roared. Just moments before, the defeated Japanese players had bowed their heads. In front of cameras broadcasting live to the entire world, he performed a "conquest ceremony" by placing his match equipment under his feet.

Just one day earlier, the situation was completely different. After Romanian players climbed onto the table following their qualification for the bronze medal (semifinal advancement) in the women's quarterfinals, global condemnation poured in. Chinese media were no exception. Criticisms such as "lacking basic etiquette as a table tennis player" and "an insult to table tennis" lined up. Especially in Japan, fierce condemnation was leveled, stating that "respect for the opponent was absent."

However, once a Chinese player climbed onto the table, Chinese media and fans began to deploy the logic of miracles. Chinese media "Wangyi" defended Linsdong, stating, "Romania's action may have hindered the next match, but Linsdong's act capped off the tournament, so there is no problem." This is the ultimate double standard where the standard of etiquette changes depending on skill level and medal color.

The severity of the situation was also felt within China itself. Chen Qi (Chen Qi), a Chinese table tennis legend who handled the broadcast at the time, screamed in panic at the moment Linsdong placed his foot on the table: "No! You can't do that! You can't stand on the table!" This is because it is a clear disciplinary offense and an act of poor sportsmanship according to the Chinese national team's internal regulations.

Currently, table tennis fans worldwide are launching a relentless barrage of criticism via the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) social media, asking, "Is the table tennis table a podium?" and "Your skill is world-class, but your etiquette is at the level of a neighborhood table tennis club," targeting Linsdong's unreasonable behavior and the Chinese public opinion that defends it.

Global attention is focused on whether Linsdong's footprints on the sacred table will become a source of pride for China's world-class table tennis or become an indelible "unsportsmanlike" stigma.

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*This content was translated by AI.