Ping Pong: The Triumph

Ping Pong: The Triumph is a 2023 Chinese sports drama film co-directed by Deng Chao with Yu Baimei. The film starring Deng Chao with Sun Li and Xu Weizhou is set in 1992 to 1995, and follows a table tennis coach based on Cai Zhenhua, who comes back from abroad to serve as the coach with a resolve to make a difference. Under his leadership, five players, Ding Song, Ma Wenge, Wang Tao, Liu Guoliang, and Kong Linghui, played in Tianjin. The story of a desperate counterattack in the World Championships.

Cast

 * Deng Chao as Dai Minjia based on Cai Zhenhua
 * Sun Li as Wang Ying
 * Xu Weizhou as Bai Minhe	based on Ma Wenge
 * Duan Bowen as Huang Zhao based on Wang Tao
 * Cai Yida as Gong Feng based on Ding Song
 * Ding Guansen as Hou Zhuoxiang	based on Liu Guoliang
 * Sun Xilun	as Dong Shuai (Kong Linghui)
 * Wu Jing as Da Li based on Xi Enting
 * Yu Haoming as Wang Yao based on Wang Hao

Release
The film was initially released on 24 January 2023, but due to lack of response, it was put on limited viewing the next day. It was re-released on 17 February 2023.

Reception
James Marsh of South China Morning Post rated the film 3/5 and wrote, "Ping Pong: The Triumph is a slick and polished production fuelled by national pride and rose-tinted nostalgia." He praised the ensemble, writing, "the spirited ensemble, keeps us invested in the individual challenges and struggles faced by the team’s so-called 'Five Tiger Generals' when they are away from the table." He concluded, "While perhaps not a sporting classic for the ages, Ping Pong: The Triumph should get its intended audience on its feet". Carla Hay of Culture Mix opined in his review that the film is "more than about winning games." Hay added, "All aspects of the movie (the writing, direction and acting) are not terrible, but neither are they outstanding." She found the screenplay "somewhat bland" but action scenes "well-filmed". Hay wrote, "It's a very formulaic and predictable 'underdog' sports story, but there are enough riveting scenes of table tennis/ping pong competitions to keep viewers interested."