Reality bites for Zhang

Balancing act

Sports stars' ever increasing involvement in variety and reality shows has raised questions about the delicate balance between their athletic and showbiz pursuits.

Unlike in the West, where agents rule the roost, the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) manages the majority of elite athletes in a wide range of affairs, from training to public relations to commercial endorsements.

Zhang is not the only conflicted Chinese sports star.

Boxer Zou Shiming has faced criticism over his TV appearances and commercial activities, while swimmer Ning Zetao caused an uproar when he signed a personal endorsement deal without the GASC's permission after winning the 100 meters freestyle at the 2014 FINA World Championships.

Ning's career has since been on the slide, culminating in his dismissal from the national team after a disappointing showing at the Rio Olympics.

Comeback?

So what now for Zhang?

He returned to international duty following a five-month absence at the German Open in November but slumped to an opening-round loss to Portugal's world No 40 Tiago Apolonia.

There has been no sign of Zhang at the table since, resulting in the former world No 1 dropping to 54th in the rankings.

He will also miss the 2018 Table Tennis World Cup in London later this month.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Table Tennis Association's new selection criteria could hinder Zhang on the comeback trail.

Since January, Chinese players who fail to make it through qualifying rounds or lose their opening round against an opponent from a rival association will not be considered for the next tournament.

Given Zhang's performance in Germany, his age and history of injury problems, it looks like the road back to top form is looking increasingly steep for the Chinese legend.