BEIJING - The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Executive Board has recently approved changes to the ITTF world ranking regulations, the ITTF announced on Monday.

"The new regulations include several important updates aimed at improving the ranking system," read an announcement on the ITTF website.

One significant change involves the increase in points awarded for the initial round of World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash events up to the round of 64, as it is thought that these events' qualification draws can pose a challenge for players who are ranked between 50th and 120th.

"ITTF Executive Board believes that this increase in points for the qualifying rounds will serve as a fair recognition of the efforts made by the qualified players," the ITTF said.

The updated regulations also include the reduction of points awarded for WTT Feeder winners from the current 150 to 125, and similarly for finalists, semifinalists, and quarterfinalists.

"These changes have been made to provide a more balanced and fair ranking system for all participants and to ensure the rankings are an accurate representation of the current level of players in our sport," the ITTF concluded.