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Liu Guolianig was born in the city of Xinxiang in Central China's Henan Province on July 10, 1976. He is by far one of the best table tennis players in the world, among the few that have realized a grand slam: winning titles in the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympics.

He started to practice table tennis when he was 6 years old and entered the national team 9 years later.

In the 1992 Asian Open, he claimed the titles in men's team and mixed double. The following year, he finished 2^ndin men's team and 3^rdin men's double in the World Championships; he was also champion of men's team in the China Open, of men's doubles in the 7^thNational Games, of men's doubles and men's team in the Sweden Open, and of men's singles and men's doubles in the Finland Open.

In 1994, he finished first in men's doubles in the 12^thAsian Championships, first in men's team in the World Cup and second in men's doubles in the Italy Open. One year later, he claimed titles in men's team in the 43^rdWorld Cup.

In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Liu won the gold medals in men's doubles and singles. 1n the 1997 World Cup, the 1.68-meter player swept the titles of men's team, men's doubles and mixed doubles. In the same year, he was gold medallist in men's doubles in the 8^thNational Games.

In 1998, Liu Guoliang ranked second in men's doubles in the Malaysia Open, second in men's singles in the Japan Open, first in men's doubles in the Australia Open, first in men's team and men's double in the 14^thAsian Championships, first in men's singles in the Italian Open.

At the 1999 World Championships, Liu beat his teammate Ma Lin to win men's singles title; he was also champion of men's doubles, paired with Kong Linghui. In the same year, Liu Guoliang finished first in men's singles and doubles in the 45^thWorld Championships.

In 2000, he was runner-up in men's team in the World Table Tennis Team Championships, champion of men's doubles in the Japan Open.

Liu's Style: Penhold, highly offensive close-to-table two wing fast attacks, best known for his sophisticated serves and innovative 'backside' techniques that make up the classical weakness of penhold backhand.