Xu Xin beat Brazil's Hugo Calderano on day one of the tournament in Macau ©ITTF

Olympic champion Ma Long of China will face compatriot Xu Xin for the top seeding at the World Table Tennis (WTT) promotional showcase in Macau as fans of the sport were given their first glimpse of the new-look series of international events. 

Ma fought back from a game down to beat Lin Gaoyuan 3-5, 5-2 5-2, 5-2, while Xu defeated Brazil's Hugo Calderano 4-5, 3-5, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3.

In the women's event, world number one Chen Meng will take on Wang Manyu after they recorded wins over Ding Ning and Sun Yinsha, respectively.

Chen overcame Ding 5-2, 5-3, 4-5, 5-1, while Wang ousted Sun 5-3, 1-5, 2-5, 5-3, 5-3.

The losers of each match will play each other tomorrow, with the winners claiming the third seeding.

The top four ranked players in both the men's and women's singles competitions are battling it out to determine the order of seeds for the quarter-finals over the first two days as part of a new format being exhibited at the tournament.

A new format and look is being exhibited at the WTT showcase ©ITTF
A new format and look is being exhibited at the WTT showcase ©ITTF

WTT was established by the International Table Tennis Federation in August 2019 and aims to modernise the commercial business activities of the sport.

The series of new events promises increased prize money and a more modern experience for fans, broadcasters, players and hosts.

A prize purse of $800,000 (£604,880/€679,180) is on offer in Macau.

An octagon-shaped court design is in use, while the table features orange lines and a special undercarriage fitted with LED panelling. 

Contrasting with the table is a deep black flooring - a first for table tennis. 

Both orange and white balls are being tested at the event, which is set to continue tomorrow.