America's paddler A silver medalist for China (also known as ) File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg in 1992 in women's doubles, Gao Jun has been the United States' top player since she left for the United States (also known as ) File:Flag of the United States.svg in January 1994 (she first started competing for America on the pro tour in 1997 and in international competitions in 2000). A winner of five North American titles, Gao helped the U.S. this year to its highest finish at the World Championships since 1989 with a 12th-place showing.