I WONDER - Is Table Tennis The Same As Ping Pong?

Table tennis, also known as Ping Pong in China, is one of the fastest-moving indoor sports globally. It ranks third in participation after soccer and cricket. The name 'Ping Pong' is derived from the sound the ball makes when it hits the racquet. In China, table tennis is a national sport, and Chinese players are considered the best worldwide.

Why is table tennis considered a national sport in China?

Who is regarded as the best in the world in table tennis?