National table tennis coaches replaced
The Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) has replaced the national coaches of its men's and women's teams.
The national sports association has terminated the services of men's national coach Yang Chuanning, after "extensive consultation with players of the men's team", according to a STTA release.
Former national paddler Jing Junhong, who helms the women's team, has been redeployed as the chief coach for youth development, and will oversee the development of the Junior Development Squad, Youth Training Squad and the School within a School programme.
This follows a clash between Jing and national paddler Yu Mengyu during the Polish Open last month.
Yu thought she would be coached by assistant coach Hao Anlin for her Round of 16 tie against China's Liu Shiwen.
Jing took over instead, as Hao was "visibly exhausted" after coaching and sparring during the tournament, but Yu was unhappy with the arrangement, leading to an argument on court before Jing relented and Hao took over.
Yu also subsequently voiced her unhappiness in an interview with The Straits Times after she and Feng Tianwei lost their women's doubles final to China's Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling.
The STTA said in the release that Yu "showed no remorse" for her actions during the disciplinary inquiry, and has received a letter of warning.
Jing admitted her mistake and was given a verbal warning.
National deputy women's head coach Liu Jiayi will replace Jing as the head of the women's team, with Hao assisting him.
The men's team will be helmed by assistant coaches Wang Xiang and Zhu Jiang until the STTA appoints a permanent replacement.
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