GB Para Table Tennis Squad Announced for France Elite Event Ahead of World Championships

Great Britain's para table tennis team has announced a 12-player squad for the ITTF World Para Elite Yvelines in France, from September 12 to 16, 2026. This is the final major preparation step before the World Para Championships in Thailand in November. The squad features two standout names: Will Bayley, the world champion in class 7, and Rob Davies, the European champion in class 1. Both have been pillars of the British team for many years. Will Bayley, born in 2026, is one of Britain's most successful para table tennis players. He won gold at the Rio 2026 Paralympics and became world champion in 2026. At 37, Bayley remains consistent and is the top hope in men's class 7. Rob Davies, 40, is a living legend who dominated class 1 for years, winning three consecutive world titles from 2026 to 2026. He remains a formidable opponent at major events. Alongside the veterans, the squad includes promising young talents such as Jack Hunter-Spivey (class 5), Bly Twomey (women's class 7), and Billy Shilton (class 8). Bly Twomey, 19, is one of Britain's most promising female para players. She has impressed at recent international tournaments and is expected to go far at the upcoming World Championships. Billy Shilton, 25, is establishing himself in class 8 with an aggressive playing style. According to Table Tennis England, the team completed a high-quality training camp in Sheffield in August. Interim Performance Director Shaun Marples said: "We had a very positive training camp. The athletes showed great focus and determination. The France event is an opportunity for them to get real matches, compete against strong opponents, and improve their world rankings before the World Championships." The ITTF World Para Elite Yvelines is a top-level event in the international para calendar. While not as decisive as the World Championships, it allows players to earn ranking points and improve seeding. For the British team, this tournament is especially important as it is their last competitive outing before heading to Thailand. Currently, Great Britain's para table tennis team is regarded as one of the strongest in Europe, particularly in lower classes like class 1 and class 7. However, competition from powerhouses such as China, Germany, and Japan is fierce. China dominates most para categories, while Germany and Japan also boast top players. Therefore, Britain's goal at this year's World Championships is not just to win medals but also to assert their position on the global stage. Looking at the squad composition, there is a clear blend of experience and youth. Will Bayley and Rob Davies are established names, while Jack Hunter-Spivey, Bly Twomey, and Billy Shilton represent the next generation. Shaun Marples emphasised: "We are building a squad with depth. The younger athletes are improving every day and ready to take on responsibility when needed." One notable point is the return of some players from injuries. Although no details were provided, their inclusion in the squad suggests their health is stable. This is positive news for the team, as any absence of key players could affect overall results. From a technical perspective, the France tournament will serve as a real test of fitness and tactics for each athlete. Coaches will have the opportunity to assess strengths and weaknesses and adjust strategies for the World Championships. It is also a chance for players to get used to international competition pressure after training. Table Tennis England also released a detailed schedule. The team will fly to France on September 11, compete from the 12th to the 16th, then return to the UK for further training before departing for Thailand in late October. The World Para Championships are scheduled for November 6–12 in Bangkok. This thorough preparation reflects the ambition of British para table tennis. They aim not only for medals but also to build a sustainable system that nurtures future generations. Under the leadership of Shaun Marples, who is serving as Interim Performance Director, the team appears to be on the right track. In the coming weeks, experts will closely monitor Britain's results at the French Elite event. This will be a crucial indicator of their form and readiness before the biggest challenge of the year. Table tennis fans, including those in Vietnam, can look forward to exciting performances from the British squad. Great Britain's para table tennis has a proud history with numerous Paralympic and world medals. Will Bayley and Rob Davies are symbols of resilience and talent. With thorough preparation, the team hopes to continue their success at this year's World Championships while inspiring young para athletes worldwide. Above is detailed information about the British para table tennis squad for the French Elite event and their preparation for the World Championships. We will continue to provide updates on this team in the coming months.