Ma Lin is the only male player ever to win Olympic gold in Singles, Doubles, and Team. Additionally, he holds a professional era record of 5 major titles (4 World Cups and 1 Olympic Gold), having won more World Cups than any other male table tennis player in history.
Ma Lin Information:
- Native name: 马琳
- Nationality: Chinese
- Born: February 19, 1980, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Playing-style: Chinese Penhold
- Highest Ranking: #1
- Height: 5 ft 7 in
- Weight: 165 lbs
Ma Lin Playing Style
Ma Lin uses the penhold grip. An aggressive player, he is known for his converse unpredictable serves, heavy short push receives, fast footwork, and powerful third ball attacks. In addition to possessing a solid backhand block, Ma Lin also uses the reverse penhold backhand (RPB), an innovative stroke utilizing the underside of the blade which allows a penholder to produce topspin from both wings. The most dangerous weapon Ma Lin has in his arsenal, however, is his consistent forehand loop, which he often uses to end a point decisively. He is also considered a master at serving and his serve is considered one of the best in the world, earning the nickname “Ghost Service”. It involves the ball bouncing back to the net instead of going straight off the table.
Because of this, Ma Lin has claimed the titles “Maestro Ma Lin,” “Defense Killer,” and “Table Tennis Olympic Champion.”
Ma Lin is currently using a Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive Penhold as his blade. He uses DHS NEO Skyline 2 TG2 for his forehand and Butterfly Bryce Speed FX for his backhand.
Ma Lin Highlights
Ma Lin Titles
| Games | Type | Winner | Year |
| Olympic Games | Single | 1 | 2008 |
| Olympic Games | Double | 1 | 2004 |
| Olympic Games | Team | 1 | 2008 |
| World Championships | Double | 1 | 2007 |
| World Championships | Mixed Double | 2 | 1999, 2003 |
| World Championships | Team | 6 | 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 |
| World Cup | Single | 4 | 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 |
| World Cup | Team | 2 | 2007, 2011 |
| Asian Games | Mixed Double | 1 | 2006 |
| Asian Games | Team | 3 | 2002, 2006, 2010 |
| Asian Championships | Double | 1 | 1998 |
| Asian Championships | Mixed Double | 1 | 1996 |
| Asian Championships | Team | 3 | 1998, 2000, 2007 |
Ma Lin Equipment
- Blade: Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive
- Forehand: DHS NEO Skyline TG2
- Backhand: Butterfly Bryce Speed FX
See aslo: