To ensure fair play in table tennis during the 2008 Olympics, the sport's governing body wants to remove the quarterfinals from the team event.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) plans to cancel the quarterfinal stage in team competition and head straight into the semifinals.

According to the traditional rules for the team event, 16 teams are divided into four groups of four. The top two of each group qualify for the quarterfinals.

Under the new rule, only the top team of each group can enter the semis. The competitors must secure an unbeaten record in group stage for a semifinal berth.

In addition, the ITTF plans to reduce the five players to three on each team.

Yao Zhenxu, chairman of the ITTF technical committee, said the new changes avoid unequal competition and make the sport more of a crowd-pleaser.

(CRI January 9, 2007)