2017 Butterfly Arnold Table Tennis Challenge: Jian Li Ready to Defend Title

(By Barbara Wei)

Defender Jian Li (2666), the 2016 Arnold Table Tennis Challenge champion, is poised and ready to defend his title this coming weekend at the 2017 Arnold Table Tennis Challenge in Columbus, OH.  However, many of the finalists from last year’s event have also returned and are looking for revenge. Kai Zhang (2668) who narrowly lost to Jian Li in a hard fought semi-final is looking to improve upon his 3^rd place finish. Similarly, 2016 runner-up Jishan Liang (2669), who lost to Jian Li 4-0 in the final, is looking to avenge his loss. Rounding out the top 4 seeds in this year’s Open event is Ruichao Chen (2703), a fierce lefty with a very strong serve and attack, who has won multiple Butterfly North American Events in 2015 and 2016. The fight for the 2017 Arnold Table Tennis Challenge, will not only feature these 4 very accomplished players, but also 13 other players over 2400 including many top collegiate players preparing for the 2017 National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships.

With over 320 players entered into this world class table tennis event, the 2017 Arnold Table Tennis Challenge promises to be an exceptional and exciting weekend of table tennis for competitors and spectators alike. Competitors will also be treated to free access to all other Arnold Sports Festival sports and competitions. To learn more about table tennis and the Arnold Sports Festival please visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

Continual coverage of the 2017 Butterfly Arnold Table Tennis Challenge and stories about the athletes will be available at ButterflyOnline.com, or via Butterfly North America’s Twitter and Facebook pages.