Legends in their own lifetime

Jan-Ove Waldner: The evergreen tree

The greatest player in the world is not considered to be Chinese but Swedish, with double Olympic medalist Jan-Ove Waldner taking the honor.

He was the sport's first grand slam winner in 1992, a double world champion (1989, 1997) and two-time runner-up (1987, 1991). He also won the World Cup in 1990. His two Olympic successes came in the form of a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and a silver at Sydney 2000.

Born in Stockholm, the 42-year-old is often referred to as "the evergreen tree" for the longevity of his sporting career. He is known for his creativity and ingenuity at stringing together a variety of playing styles.

As he still plies his trade for a German club while many others have moved into coaching positions, his old rivals are now effectively trying to teach his new opponents how to defeat him.

Waldner even has a Chinese nickname lao wa and a bar named after him at a top Beijing night spot, testament to his unrivaled popularity here. The Swede has built a strong relationship with the country since he first attended a training camp here over 25 years ago.

Although he has retired from the international game, he will attend this year's Beijing Olympics as an official with Sweden's Olympic committee.

Deng Yaping: Ping pong Queen

With four Olympic gold medals and 18 World Championship titles under her belt, no one has come close to matching the feats of China's Deng Yaping.

Dubbed "the smallest giant" for her diminutive stature (149 cm), the greatest women's player of all time is known for her perseverance and aggressive play.

When she was 10 years old, her provincial team turned her down on the basis that she was too short.

"My father asked me whether I was ready to admit defeat. I told him I was not, as I was no worse than any of the other players (on the team)," she recalled.

She dominated the sport at two Olympics, winning all four women's singles and doubles titles at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996.

She retired in 1997 at the age of 24 but, unlike many of her contemporaries, decided to go back to school instead of venturing overseas to play for other clubs.

The 34-year-old is now studying for her Ph.D in Economics at Cambridge University as well as working for the Beijing Olympics organizing committee.