The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) will implement an enhanced version of the Table Tennis Review (TTR) system at the upcoming ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2025, building on the system’s recent success during the final day of the Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024. This move reinforces the ITTF’s ongoing commitment to fairness, accuracy, and technological advancement in officiating.
What is the TTR System?
The TTR system allows players to challenge umpire decisions during selected critical points, utilizing advanced ball tracking and instant replay technology—similar to systems already in place in other global sports like tennis and football. It brings a new level of precision and transparency to top-level table tennis.
Key Features of the Enhanced Review System
Two reviews per player, per match.
A successful or inconclusive challenge allows the player to retain the review.
An unsuccessful challenge results in the loss of one review.
TTR Match Officials use a combination of camera angles and replay speeds to analyze footage and reach a verdict.
If the outcome is inconclusive, the original umpire decision stands.
Reviewable Situations
Challenges can be made in the following scenarios:
Edge ball
Service net
Service toss height (minimum 16 cm)
Service toss angle (maximum 30 degrees)
Ball hiding during service
Service toss below the playing surface
Service toss inside the playing surface
Obstruction
Building on Success
While not a debut, the upcoming use of the enhanced TTR system in Macao is a continuation of the ITTF’s broader strategy to modernize officiating. It reflects growing efforts to provide players with more clarity, and to offer fans a closer look at the intricacies of decision-making in elite matches.
By evolving the technology and processes behind the TTR system, the ITTF is ensuring that the sport remains fair, dynamic, and engaging—both for the athletes and the global audience.
Source: ITTF