![[Table Tennis] Chinese Penhold Reverse Backhand | A Thorough Analysis of Top Players' Equipment by 4Types](https://tabletennis-lab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/b0b01ed2017d6aa30ab7c64d3c6c9fc0.jpg)
1. Introduction
As a penhold player who uses the Reverse Backhand (RPB) as my core weapon, I am always fascinated by the equipment choices and techniques of the top players on the world stage.
In this article, I analyze the equipment used by top players who master the RPB.
I have categorized their playing styles and equipment combinations into four distinct types. I hope this serves as a helpful guide for those struggling to choose the right gear for their RPB.
Note: Due to the high number of players mentioned, honorifics have been omitted.
Source Reference: Player equipment and world rankings are based on information from “Takkyu Navi,” a specialized site for table tennis equipment reviews. Reference:Takkyu Navi
2. [By Type] Equipment Used by Top RPB Players
How do the world’s best players set up their equipment to master the RPB? Based on their playing characteristics, I have classified them into four types.
Note: These category names are based on my own observations.
Rankings are as of April 27, 2026.
Please note that the YouTube videos featured in this article contain Japanese language content.
Type 1: Fusion of Tricky Shots and Power Drives
Forehand: Tacky Rubber (Inverted)
Backhand: Tension Rubber (Inverted)
This is the standard combination for the legendary Chinese penhold players who have conquered the world repeatedly. They use tacky rubber on the forehand to push with heavy-spin drives, while utilizing tension rubber on the backhand to compensate for any lack of power.
[Representative Players]
Xu Xin (China) – Inactive in international tournaments as of late April 2026
- Blade: Intensity NCT (Stiga) – 5-ply wood
- Forehand: Hurricane 3 National Blue (DHS)
- Backhand: Tenergy 05 (Butterfly)
Watching the highlight reel below, you will be amazed at how most of the shots are executed with such artistic forehand play. We may never see another player who can captivate the crowd with such a spectacular and dynamic style again.
Wang Hao (China) Retired
- Blade: Hurricane Hao 3 (DHS) – 5-ply wood (with special material)
- Forehand: Skyline NEO 3 (DHS)
- Backhand: Bryce Speed (Butterfly)
He is the legendary “God” of the Reverse Backhand. He dared to forgo the “short” block—the hallmark of traditional penhold—and established a playing style built on an overwhelming Reverse Backhand that surpassed even the backhand of shakehand players. Armed with this style, he reigned at the pinnacle of the world table tennis scene as a top player for many years.
*Please enjoy the spectacular backhand drive that became Wang Hao’s signature move.
Type 2: “Tricky Shot” Explosion
Forehand: Tacky Tension Rubber (Inverted)
Backhand: Tacky Tension Rubber (Inverted)
These players use tacky tension rubber on both sides, leveraging the unique “tricky” ball characteristics inherent to tacky rubber to win points.
[Representative Players]
Felix Lebrun (France) – World Ranking #4
- Blade: Hybrid AC Inside (TIBHAR) – 7-ply wood
- Forehand: Hybrid K3 (TIBHAR)
- Backhand: Hybrid K3 (TIBHAR)
He is arguably the best penhold player in the world right now.
In the video below, you can see him engaging in an intense rally against power-hitter Hugo Calderano (Brazil), refusing to back away from the table. The match tempo is incredibly fast, showcasing his tactical intelligence and ability to adapt in an instant.
I have shared more details about the unique appeal of Felix Lebrun in a separate article, so please be sure to check it out.
Qiu Dang (Germany) – World Ranking #10
Blade: Custom-made
Forehand: Dignics 09C (Butterfly)
Backhand: Dignics 09C (Butterfly)
I cannot talk about the Reverse Backhand without mentioning this player. While he shares the same “tacky tension rubber on both sides” style as Felix Lebrun, whom I introduced earlier, Qiu Dang’s play is quite different.
In a word, he is the “textbook of modern penhold.” His movements are completely free of any waste, and his overall playstyle is remarkably smooth and refined. Personally, I believe he is the ideal role model and goal for us middle-aged players looking to learn or improve our Reverse Backhand.
The video below features a direct matchup (highlights) between Qiu Dang and Felix Lebrun. As you watch, please compare their contrasting styles and enjoy the differences. In particular, Qiu Dang’s high-precision backhand attack down the line is a must-see.
Type 3: “Two-Wing Power Drive” Type
Forehand: Tension Rubber (Inverted)
Backhand: Tension Rubber (Inverted)
This type utilizes high-bouncing tension rubbers on both wings, focusing on powerful drives to consistently pressure and push the opponent back.
[Representative Players]
Wong Chun Ting (Hong Kong) – World Ranking #50
Blade: Custom (Butterfly)
Forehand: Tenergy 05 Hard (Butterfly)
Backhand: Dignics 05 (Butterfly)
Wong Chun Ting (Hong Kong) is a powerhouse who reached a career-high world ranking of #6. Even now, at 34 years old, he remains an active member of the Hong Kong national team. He is still a formidable competitor, particularly in doubles, where he continues to reach the top tiers of international tournaments.
In the video below, I share his match against Qiu Dang.
Taisei Matsushita (Japan) – World Ranking #481
Blade: Innerforce Layer ZLC – CS [Custom (Modified)]
Forehand: Dignics 09C (Butterfly)
Backhand: Xa-03 (Butterfly)
Although Matsushita technically falls into the “tacky tension rubber” and “tension rubber” classification, please bear with me for including him in this section.
Matsushita is one of the strongest penhold players in Japan. After three successful years at Shizuoka Jade, where he consistently demonstrated the potential of the penhold grip, it was announced on April 17, 2026, that he would be leaving the team. As a valuable and skilled penhold player, we look forward to seeing him thrive in his next stage.
The video below features his match against Jang Woo-jin from the South Korean national team.
Type 4: “Smash and Reverse Backhand Fusion” Type
Forehand: Tension Rubber (Short Pips)
Backhand: Tension Rubber (Inverted)
Players of this type use aggressive, smash-based forehand attacks to pressure their opponents, while compensating for their backhand weakness by using the Reverse Backhand (RPB) with inverted rubber.
[Representative Players]
Cantero (Spain) – Unranked
Blade: Samsonov Force Pro (TIBHAR) – 7-ply wood
Forehand: Raystorm (Butterfly)
Backhand: Evolution EL-P (TIBHAR)
He is a renowned player who once represented Spain on the national team. For reference, I have included a video of his participation in the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships (doubles).
Yuna Ojio (Japan) – World Ranking #176
Blade: Quartet VFC (Victas) – 5-ply wood (with special material)
Forehand: VO>102 (Victas) – Short Pips
Backhand: V>15 Extra (Victas) – Inverted Rubber
Although it is not technically a penhold grip, I would like to introduce her here with the utmost respect for her highly unique grip and unparalleled playing style.
For a deeper dive into Yuna Ojio’s unique grip and her surprising tactics and playing style, please check out the article below.
Please note that the following article is written in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
3. Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this look at these incredible players.
Each of these athletes is unique, and they remind me once again of the depth and beauty of table tennis as a sport.
While it is a bit sad for us penhold fans that the majority of top-ranked players use shakehand grips, there are definitely players out there who are forging new possibilities for the penhold style in modern table tennis.
We must keep our eyes on the future performances of stars like Qiu Dang (Germany, WR#10), Felix Lebrun (France, WR#4), and from Japan, Taisei Matsushita and Yuna Ojio.
Also, Xue Fei (China, WR#77) may be hindered by the immense depth of competition in China, but his ability is undeniably world-class. I cannot help but look forward to seeing him shine on the world stage once again.
Dreaming of the day when the penhold grip reclaims its dominance in the table tennis world… As a fellow penhold lover, I intend to continue enjoying and practicing my Reverse Backhand every day.
Thank you so much for reading until the end.
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