GB Para Table Tennis Team Heads to France for Final World Championships Preparation

After an intensive training camp in Sheffield, the Great Britain Para Table Tennis team has officially departed for France to compete in the ITTF World Para Elite Yvelines, taking place from September 12 to 16. This is considered a crucial preparation step ahead of the World Para Championships in Thailand this November. The squad consists of 12 athletes, led by world and European champions Will Bayley and Rob Davies. Other notable names include Jack Hunter-Spivey, Billy Shilton, Bly Twomey, and several promising younger players. The entire team completed a specialised training programme at the Sheffield national sports centre, guided by the coaching staff headed by Interim Performance Director Shaun Marples. Speaking before the trip, Marples stated: 'This is the final opportunity for athletes to gain competitive experience before the biggest event of the year. Our performance in France will help improve rankings and seeding while building the necessary confidence.' The Yvelines event is not a qualification tournament for the World Championships – GB has already secured its spots. However, it provides a platform to test form, experiment with tactics, and compete against top international opponents. 'We can measure progress, identify weaknesses, and make timely adjustments,' Marples added. Will Bayley, world champion in men's singles class 7, is the team's top hope. He won gold at the Rio 2026 Paralympics and is regarded as one of the greatest para table tennis players of all time. Alongside Bayley, Rob Davies – current European champion in class 1 – is an indispensable pillar. Experts note that the team still carries some risks. Over-reliance on veteran players could become a weakness if they suffer injuries or underperform. To mitigate this, the coaching staff has included young talents like Bly Twomey (class 7) and Billy Shilton (class 8) to build depth and succession. Overall, the France trip is a logical tactical move. It not only maintains match sharpness but also creates positive pressure, forcing athletes to stay fully focused. The results at Yvelines will partially reflect the team's true strength ahead of the World Championships. Competition varies across weight classes. In class 7, Will Bayley will face tough opponents from China, South Korea, and Germany. In class 1, Rob Davies will also have difficulty defending his title as Asian players continue to improve. Interim Head Coach Shaun Marples acknowledged: 'We have no illusions. This year's World Championships will be more intense than ever. But I trust the preparation process and the spirit of my athletes. The important thing is we have a good plan.' To refine the plan, the team will have about two months after the France event to make final adjustments. Then the entire team will fly to Thailand in early November for the World Championships – the pinnacle of para table tennis. With a blend of experience and youth, plus a solid training foundation, the GB Para Table Tennis team demonstrates seriousness and ambition. The days ahead at Yvelines will be the first test and an important stepping stone on the path to world glory.