The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 is here! This groundbreaking event unifies the Mens and Womens Teams events for the first time, creating an exciting new format that will have you hooked. Before the action gets underway, check out all the need to know facts below.

When and where: All the table tennis will be going down at the  Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu, China from 4-10 December.

Whats at stake: On top of the title of champions, there is a share of a USD 840,000 prize pool to be won as well as 1000 ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking points. All World Ranking points will be divided up to the team members based on their contribution to the matches.

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A new way to play: The team format has been reimagined, blending mens and womens talents with four players stepping out for each team.

Individual matches last for 3 games, resulting in either a 3-0 or 2-1 scoreline. Team matches continue until one side secures 8 total games for the victory, testing the overall team strength to the max.

Order of play:

• Mixed Doubles
• Womens Singles (excluding players from the Mixed Doubles)
• Mens Singles (excluding players from the Mixed Doubles)
• Womens Doubles/Mens Doubles (if required)
• Mens Doubles/Womens Doubles (if required)

The order for the last two matches is decided by the team captain of the lower-ranked team, adding a strategic edge to each showdown.

Setting the stage:  In Stage 1 the 18 teams are sorted based on their rankings. The top-ranked team claims Group 1, the second in line takes Group 2, and so on. Teams 17 and 18 will be holding it down in Groups 3 and 4, while the rest is then drawn into groups in pairs, following a modified snake system.

The winners and runners-up from four Stage 1 groups unite in a single group for Stage 2. If the teams have faced each other in  Stage 1, there will be no re-match, but instead the results from their encounter will be carried over to Stage 2.

Lineup of legends: Team China is the top seed in Chengdu and favourites to defend their home turf. World No.1 players Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha lead a star-studded team that has legend Ma Long and Olympic gold medalist Chen Meng also waiting in the ranks.

Upsets could be brewing with Korea Republic producing a stelar lineup with the likes of Shin Yubin and Jang Woojin ready to take the field.Their doubles prowess could be the deciding factor as they look to upset the locals fans.

The team element will also be highlighted with plenty of siblings in the field. The Lebrun brothers are coming out for Team France while the Harimoto siblings are joining forces for Team Japan.

Where to watch: Be sure not to miss a minute of the action in Chengdu! Watch live on ITTFs YouTube Channel, subject to the broadcast restrictions in the regions below.