Editor's note: In the men's pre-quarterfinals of the 2022 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, World No 2 Ma Long defeated India's No 1 paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran 3-0 with 14-12, 11-5, 11-0. The hashtag #Ma Long 11-0# became one of the most searched on Sina Weibo on Oct 6. There is an unwritten tradition in major sports events that a mercy or courtesy point should be given whenever a player is up by 10-0 in a table tennis. Should a player win with 11-0 or purposely give away a mercy point? Readers share their opinions.

Ben

I'd rather lose 11-0 than get the mercy point. It feels so disrespectful, it's "unsportsmanlike" and shouldn't be done. It feels like telling me "I'm so much better than you that I can just give away points and still win. I don't even have to try."

Ted

It's just a courtesy thing. Losing 11-0 is OK in an amateur match but is embarrassing and even shameful at a pro level. Mercy points are not belittling or disrespectful, since the losers might feel little better. Plus, giving a point will prevent the audience from making it a laughing stock.

Adam

I don't see a huge difference between losing 1-11 and 0-11. They are pretty much the same to me. What matters most is that players are doing their best and enjoying the game.

Mathew

What is true sportsmanship? True sportsmanship is taking every game seriously and giving his or her all. True sportsmanship is respecting your opponent by playing your best.

Rio

It is the unofficial rule in table tennis at the professional level. You should give them the mercy point to show respect to your opponent. It is a friendly gesture, and I don't see it as an insult or humiliation.