Hao Wang

Ranked No. 1 in the ITTF world rankings, Wang enters the London Games seeking his first Olympic gold in the men’s singles. Wang, who uses a pen-hold grip, has been a regular on the podium since making his Olympic debut as a 20-year-old in 2004. He took silver in singles that year, while finishing ninth in doubles. Four years later in Beijing, he earned another silver medal in the singles while winning gold in the team event. Wang, who was the top-ranked individual in the ITTF rankings for 27 consecutive months between 2007-09, has already won three World Cup single titles and one world championship. An elusive Olympic gold would earn him the sport's grand slam. Wang had a bit of a disappointing showing at the 2011 World Table Tennis Championships, finishing with silver in singles and bronze in doubles, but will still be considered the player to beat in London.