Table tennis is one of the most popular games in the United Kingdom. It is an Olympic sport and has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many years.
The UK has produced some of the world’s best table tennis players over the years, many of whom have gone on to become world champions. We will be taking a look at some of the top table tennis players from the UK, including current and former world champions.
We will explore their career highlights, their achievements, and their successes on the court. So, if you’re a fan of the game, or just curious to find out more about the best players in the UK, read on!.
1. Paul Drinkhall
Paul Andrew Drinkhall is an acclaimed British table tennis player. He has won the English Championship an impressive six times, from 2007 to 2017.
It is a testament to his skill and dedication that he was able to clinch the title on six separate occasions. Drinkhall has been competing in the English Championship since 2007, and he has managed to secure the title in each of the years that he has competed.
His 2007 win was his first, and he followed it up with back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2011.
He then went on to win in 2012, 2016, and 2017, cementing his place as one of the most successful British table tennis players. His impressive record in the English Championship is even more impressive when one considers the level of competition that he faces.
With the increasing popularity of table tennis in the UK, the English Championship is becoming increasingly competitive.
Drinkhall’s ability to remain at the top of the field is a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport. Overall, Paul Andrew Drinkhall is one of the most successful British table tennis players.
He has won the English Championship an impressive six times, from 2007 to 2017. His success in the sport is a testament to his skill, dedication, and determination to stay at the top of the field.
2. Liam Pitchford
Liam Benjamin Pitchford is a professional table tennis player from Britain. He currently holds the British No. 1 position in men’s singles. Pitchford has made a name for himself in the table tennis world, having won gold medals in several European tournaments.
He has been a part of the British National Team since 2015. In addition to his table tennis accolades, Pitchford has also earned the respect of the world’s top brands.
As a result, he has been sponsored by Victas, one of the leading table tennis equipment manufacturers, since 2017.
Victas has provided Pitchford with the best quality table tennis rackets, balls, and other related accessories, allowing him to perform at his peak level. Pitchford is an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players all over the world.
He has worked hard to get to where he is and continues to strive for excellence in his sport. His example of dedication and commitment to excellence serves as a reminder to all athletes that hard work and determination can pay off in the long run.
3. Tin-Tin Ho
Tin-Tin Ho is a talented English table tennis player who was born and raised in London. She has had an impressive career so far, having won multiple national titles and two Commonwealth silver medals.
Her performance in the sport has been so impressive that she was selected to represent her country in the 2020 Summer Olympics. This was a huge honor for Tin-Tin Ho, and she is sure to be remembered for her outstanding achievements in table tennis.
She is a great example of what is possible when you dedicate yourself to a sport and an inspiration to many young athletes.
4. Andrew Baggaley
Andrew Baggaley is an esteemed professional table tennis player from the city of Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom. He is the most decorated table tennis player in the history of the Commonwealth Games, having won two gold medals in the 2002 Games held in Manchester.
The first gold medal was won as part of the men’s doubles team, alongside partner Matthew Syed. His second gold medal was won in the singles event, where he defeated Australian player Craig Bryant in the final.
He was also a member of the England team that won the bronze medal in the team event. Baggaley’s success in Manchester was the highlight of a successful table tennis career.
He has won a total of eleven medals in the Commonwealth Games, including two silver and seven bronze medals. He also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, although he was unable to win a medal.
Baggaley’s success has earned him a great deal of recognition and respect in his home country, and he is a role model for aspiring table tennis players.
He is also a member of the Milton Keynes Table Tennis Club, which provides an opportunity for local players to hone their skills. In addition to his table tennis career, Baggaley is also a coach and mentor to younger players.
He has been involved with local and national table tennis development programs, and he is passionate about helping to develop the sport in Britain.
5. David Wetherill
David Wetherill is an exceptional British international table tennis player, who has been living with a rare bone development disorder called Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia.
This disorder affects the development of the bones and cartilage and can cause a range of problems such as pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Despite this condition, Wetherill has achieved great success in the world of table tennis. Wetherill hails from Torpoint, Cornwall. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Chemistry from the University of Sheffield in 2011.
This degree likely helped him to gain a better understanding of his disorder, and how to manage it, so that he could focus on his table tennis career. Wetherill’s achievements in table tennis are a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has represented the UK in several international tournaments including the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships and the World Team Championships. He is a true inspiration to many, showing that having a disability should not stop you from achieving great things.
6. Desmond Douglas
Desmond Douglas MBE is a British table tennis player of high distinction. He was born and raised in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, West Midlands. He was known for his attacking and left-handed playing style, as well as his impressive scissor jump smash.
This powerful and dynamic shot was one of his greatest weapons and one of the reasons for his success in the sport of table tennis. Douglas was a powerful and aggressive player, who was capable of taking control of the game.
His ability to jump and hit the ball with such force and accuracy enabled him to surprise his opponents and take the lead in the match.
His scissor jump smash was so powerful that it was often simply too difficult for his opponents to handle. Douglas was one of the most successful British table tennis players of all time.
He was decorated with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 2004, in recognition of his achievements in the sport. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Table Tennis Federation in 2014.
Douglas has been a great inspiration to many table tennis players, and his legacy is one that will live on in the sport forever. His incredible talents and achievements will surely be remembered for many years to come.
7. Chen Xinhua
Chen Xinhua is a former international table tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport. He was born in China but moved to Great Britain to further his career in the sport.
He was an extremely talented player and was considered one of the best players in the world. At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Chen Xinhua was selected to represent Great Britain in the table tennis events. He was the first British player to compete in the Olympics in this sport.
He competed in both the singles and doubles events, and although he did not win any medals he still put in a strong performance. The experience of competing at the Olympics was an unforgettable one for Chen Xinhua.
He received a great deal of support from his British teammates and the British public, despite not being from the country himself.
It was a great honour for him to be able to represent Great Britain and he was proud to have been selected for the team. Chen Xinhua’s success in table tennis did not end with the Olympics, however.
After his Olympic experience, he continued to compete at a high level and earned several medals in international competitions. He is now a coach and is still involved in the sport, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of table tennis players.
8. Matthew Syed
Matthew Philip Syed is a highly accomplished individual who has achieved success in a variety of fields. He is a British journalist, author, broadcaster, and former table tennis player who excelled at the sport.
As a table tennis player, Syed competed as an English international and held the title of English number one for a long period of time. He was a dominant figure in the table tennis world, and his success was reflected in the national team’s achievements.
Syed’s skill and dedication to the game made him a formidable opponent, and with his help the English team was able to reach the peak of international success. Syed’s expertise in the sport has also been translated to his other fields, where he has achieved great success.
His journalism and writing have been acclaimed, and his broadcasting career has taken him all over the world. Syed is a testament to the idea that hard work and dedication to one’s craft can lead to a high level of success.
9. Fred Perry
Frederick John Perry was a legendary sportsman from England who achieved tremendous success in both tennis and table tennis.
He was the world No.1 in tennis during his career and won an impressive 10 Major titles, including eight Grand Slam tournaments and two Pro Slams singles titles. He also won six Major doubles titles in his long and fruitful career.
His achievements in the sport of tennis are unparalleled and he is considered one of the greatest of all time. He was a relentless competitor and a true champion in every sense of the word.
His tenacity and skill were unmatched and his accomplishments will forever remain a part of sports history. He was a true pioneer in his respective sport and a true champion of the game.
10. Will Bayley
William John Bayley MBE is a highly accomplished British professional Paralympic table tennis player. He is currently the world number one in this sport, having earned the title through his numerous achievements in the Paralympics and in the Table Tennis World Championships.
In 2016, he earned a gold medal in the Summer Paralympics Games, and in 2014, he became the World Champion. Bayley’s impressive resume speaks to how highly he is regarded in the world of Paralympic table tennis.
He has worked hard to reach the top of his sport and is an inspiration to players, both professional and amateur, who may want to follow in his footsteps.
His success has earned him an MBE, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a prestigious honour that is given to those who make significant contributions to the nation. Bayley’s accomplishments have also been recognized outside of the table tennis world, as he has been invited to speak at events and has even been featured in the media.
His story is an inspiration to many and serves as a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter what their physical abilities may be.
11. Sue Bailey
Susan Fiona Bailey is a remarkable woman who has accomplished many great feats. She is a British para table tennis player and primary school teacher who has competed in six Paralympic Games and at the Commonwealth Games.
Bailey began playing table tennis at the age of 12, but her Ehlers–Danlos syndrome forced her to stop at 15. This syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect the connective tissues in the body and can cause joint problems and chronic pain.
Additionally, Bailey has fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle pain, and joint stiffness. Despite these conditions, Bailey has been able to achieve great things in her life.
She has competed in six Paralympic Games and at the Commonwealth Games and is a primary school teacher as well. Her determination and resilience is to be commended, and serves as an inspiration to others who are facing similar challenges.
Despite her many difficulties, Bailey has been able to achieve greatness and success, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
12. Sky Andrew
Skylet Andrew, more commonly known as Sky Andrew, is a former English Olympian who made history in the 1989 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. He won an impressive three gold medals, making him the first Black British athlete to win gold at the prestigious tournament.
After his successful career as a professional table tennis athlete, Andrew retired and became the first Black British sports agent.
His career in the sports industry has been highly successful, as he has gone on to represent some of the biggest names in the industry, including professional footballers, cricketers, and athletes.
Andrew has become an inspirational figure in the sports world, proving that people of all backgrounds can achieve success in the sports industry.
13. Chester Barnes
George “Chester” Barnes was an English table tennis champion who was well-known for his prowess in the sport. He was England’s No. 1 player for a number of years in the 1960s and 1970s.
Barnes was a formidable opponent in table tennis and was respected by his peers. When Barnes retired from professional table tennis, he chose to pursue a different career path. He accepted a post with the Martin Pipe racing stables as an assistant to the racehorse trainer.
This new job allowed him to use his knowledge and experience from table tennis to help train and develop racehorses. Barnes was an avid horse racing fan and enjoyed working with the horses.
Additionally, the job provided him with the opportunity to travel to different races and see the world. Barnes’ career after table tennis was successful and he was highly regarded by the racing industry.
He was able to use his skills from table tennis to help the horses reach their full potential. Although he was no longer competing in his beloved sport, he was able to find a new passion in the world of horse racing.
14. Johnny Leach
John Alfred Leach MBE was an influential figure in the world of table tennis. He was a talented player, coach, and author. He began playing competitively at the relatively late age of 17 and then served in World War II.
During the war, Leach was able to develop his skills and strategies, and by 1946 he had achieved a world ranking. His hard work and dedication paid off in 1949 when he became Great Britain’s second World Champion singles player.
His accomplishments were a testament to his talent and his commitment to the game. Leach’s legacy still lives on today, and he is an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players everywhere.
15. Tom Jarvis
Tom Jarvis is a talented table tennis player from England. He has achieved remarkable success in the sport, earning the title of national champion and competing for England at the Commonwealth Games.
Jarvis has dedicated his life to the sport of table tennis, and his hard work has paid off. At the national level, Jarvis has won multiple championships and is a dominant force on the court.
His success at the national level helped him to earn a spot on the England team for the Commonwealth Games. He was able to compete against some of the best players in the world, and his performance was impressive.
He was able to showcase his skills and show that he is a legitimate contender in the sport. Tom Jarvis is an example of what dedication and hard work can accomplish in the sport of table tennis.
He has achieved great success and has been able to represent England in a very prestigious event. He has dedicated his life to the sport and his efforts have paid off.
16. Jack Hunter-Spivey
Jack Hunter-Spivey is an incredible athlete and a true inspiration. He is a British Paralympic table tennis player, and his accomplishments are truly remarkable. In 2022, he won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the Men’s individual class 5 event.
This was an incredible achievement, and it showed his dedication and determination to succeed. Just two years later, he managed to win bronze at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in the same event.
This is an incredible achievement, especially considering the high level of competition at the Paralympics. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and his story is one of real triumph over adversity.
17. Kelly Sibley
Kelly Sibley is an impressive figure in the world of table tennis. She is a former professional player from England and is currently a coach. Sibley has achieved great success in the sport, winning the singles, girls doubles and mixed doubles at the UK Junior Championships.
This is an impressive feat in itself, but Sibley has also represented England at senior level in the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships. This further highlights her outstanding talent and experience in the sport.
Sibley has a lot to offer as a coach and her achievements speak volumes about her capabilities. Her long list of successes and years of experience make her an ideal candidate for any table tennis team looking to develop and improve.
18. Davina Ingrams, 18th Baroness Darcy de Knayth
Davina Marcia Herbert Ingrams was an influential figure in British politics. She was the 18th Baroness Darcy de Knayth and held the title of DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
As a member of the House of Lords, she was a crossbench peer, meaning she was not affiliated to any particular political party. She was one of the few peers to remain in the House of Lords after the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999, which abolished the hereditary peerage.
Under the new legislation, she was elected to continue sitting in the House of Lords. As an elected peer, she was able to continue to contribute to the important debates and decisions that took place in the House.
She was a strong advocate for social justice and used her position in the House of Lords to bring attention to issues such as domestic violence, education, and health care.
Davina Marcia Herbert Ingrams was a respected and influential member of the British political landscape, and her legacy is remembered and celebrated today.
19. Pinkie Barnes
Lavender Rosamund Marguerite Barnes was an accomplished English table tennis player, representing her country in international competitions. She was a successful athlete, with a long list of accomplishments.
However, she was not particularly fond of her given names and wanted to be called by a nickname instead. The nickname “Pinkie” that she chose was likely derived from her complexion when she was a baby. It may have been a reference to her fair skin or light pinkish hue.
Whatever the case, it was a fitting name for the table tennis star, and it stuck with her throughout her career.
20. Billy Shilton
Billy Shilton is a remarkable athlete who made his mark in the world of Paralympic table tennis. He is a British Paralympic table tennis player who won an incredible bronze medal in the Men’s team – Class 8 at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.
This is an incredible feat for Shilton, and it’s a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Shilton is an inspiration to many athletes with disabilities and has become a role model for aspiring Paralympians.
His success is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off, no matter what the challenge.
His bronze medal win is a major accomplishment and he should be proud of his achievement. Shilton’s success should serve as a reminder to all aspiring athletes, regardless of disability, that anything is possible.
With hard work and dedication, any athlete can achieve their dreams. Shilton’s success is a true example of this. He is a shining example of what can be accomplished when dedication and perseverance are combined with a love for the sport.
21. Charlotte Bardsley
Charlotte Bardsley is an impressive athlete who has achieved a great deal in her table tennis career. Born in Kobe, Japan, she now lives in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom.
Her success in the sport has seen her become a junior national champion and an international representative for England at the Commonwealth Games. This remarkable feat has been the result of hard work and dedication. Bardsley is an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes.
Her commitment to the sport has seen her build a successful career and demonstrate the potential of what can be achieved with hard work.
She has set an example of what can be accomplished with perseverance and dedication. Her success has led to her becoming an icon in the table tennis world. She has been an ambassador for the sport, encouraging more people to take up the game.
She has demonstrated the potential for success and has been an example of what can be done. Charlotte Bardsley has achieved a great deal in her table tennis career and is a true inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Her commitment and dedication to the sport have enabled her to become a junior national champion and represent England at the Commonwealth Games. She is an example of what can be done with hard work and dedication.
22. Liam Broady
Liam Tarquin Broady is a British tennis player who is currently competing on the professional circuit. Born in Stockport, England, Liam started playing tennis at a young age and quickly developed a love for the sport.
He has since gone on to become one of the top British players, with a career-high ranking of 197th in the world.
Liam has had a successful career competing in ATP and Challenger events around the world, including two singles titles and four doubles titles over the past five years.
He has also been a part of Great Britain’s Davis Cup team since 2016, helping the team to a victory in the 2016 tournament. As a member of the British National Tennis Team, he has consistently been one of the top performers.
Liam’s dedication to the sport has been remarkable, and he continues to strive for success on the court.
23. Ross Wilson
Ross Wilson is a British Paralympic table tennis player who has achieved significant success in the sport. In 2011, he competed at the European Championships in Split, Croatia, where he won a silver medal.
He further demonstrated his skill by also winning silver at the 2011 Bayreuth Open in Bayreuth, Germany in the men’s singles class 8.
His success at these two events has shown his determination and ability to compete at a high level. Ross Wilson has had a long career in table tennis and has been a part of the paralympic movement since 2011.
His achievements at the European Championships and the Bayreuth Open have been a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport.
His determination to succeed in spite of his disability has been an inspiration to many. Ross Wilson’s success in table tennis has been a source of pride for his country and the Paralympic movement.
His medals at the European Championships and Bayreuth Open have been a source of motivation for other disabled athletes to strive for excellence in their sport.
His success has also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system around paralympic athletes. Overall, Ross Wilson has been an inspirational figure in the Paralympic movement and has achieved great success in table tennis.
His silver medals at the European Championships and the Bayreuth Open have shown his commitment and dedication to the sport. He is a role model for other disabled athletes and an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
24. Aaron McKibbin
Aaron McKibbin is an impressive athlete who has achieved incredible success in the Paralympic sport of table tennis. He is an English Paralympic table tennis player who has represented Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
At this event, Aaron won a bronze medal in the Men’s team – Class 6–8. This impressive achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work that Aaron has put into his sport.
He has shown that with enough determination, even those with physical limitations can still excel in a highly competitive arena.
His success has also been an inspiration to others who have physical disabilities, showing them that anything is possible with enough effort and commitment. Aaron McKibbin is an excellent example of someone who has managed to overcome adversity and achieve something amazing.
25. Lisa Lomas
Lisa Jane Lomas-Bellinger is a British citizen and former table tennis player. She had a successful career in the sport, having competed in two Olympic Games.
She participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In the 1992 Olympics, Lisa Jane Lomas-Bellinger represented her native Great Britain in the women’s singles event. She performed well but was unable to secure a medal.
In the 1996 Summer Olympics, she again competed in the women’s singles event but again failed to medal. Despite her lack of success in the Olympics, Lisa Jane Lomas-Bellinger had a successful career in table tennis.
She was a four-time Commonwealth champion in the women’s singles event, winning the gold medal in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. She was also a two-time bronze medalist in the European Table Tennis Championships in 1993 and 1995.
In addition to her success in table tennis, Lisa Jane Lomas-Bellinger is a noted philanthropist and supporter of charitable causes.
She is a patron of the Table Tennis Foundation, a UK-based charity providing table tennis opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged young people. She is also a trustee of the English Table Tennis Association and a patron of the British Table Tennis Association.
Lisa Jane Lomas-Bellinger is an inspiring figure in table tennis and beyond. Her passion for the sport and commitment to philanthropy are a testament to her dedication and drive.
26. Maria Tsaptsinos
Maria Tsaptsinos is an English table tennis player who achieved great success at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Tsaptsinos, alongside teammates Tin-Tin Ho and Kelly Sibley, won a bronze medal in the Women’s Team event.
This was an impressive feat and a great source of pride for the English team. The trio also competed in the Women’s Doubles, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, they were unable to progress any further, but the achievement of reaching the quarter-finals is still significant. Tsaptsinos’ performance was a key factor in the team’s success, and her talents were clearly on display.
Her skill and dedication to the sport are sure to earn her more recognition in future competitions.
27. James Rawson
James Rawson is an extraordinary table tennis player from the United Kingdom. He has a remarkable record, having competed in every Summer Paralympic Games from 1984 to 2008.
During that time, he won a total of five medals, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to his skill and dedication. In addition to his success at the Paralympic Games, James Rawson has also competed at the World Championships.
Most notably, in 1990 in Assen and 2002 in Taipei, where he won a team silver medal along with Neil Robinson and an individual bronze medal, defeating Guertler from Germany.
This is a testament to his skill and hard work, as he was able to outplay some of the best table tennis players in the world. It is clear that James Rawson is a world-class table tennis player and a true champion.
28. Caz Walton
Caz Walton OBE is a highly accomplished wheelchair athlete from Britain who has made a significant impact in the sporting world. She is a retired athlete who has had a successful career in the Paralympic Games and was also the former Great Britain Paralympic team manager.
During her competitive career from 1964 to 1976, Walton achieved gold medals in numerous events, including athletics, swimming, table tennis, and fencing. Her impressive list of medals serves as a testament to her dedication and determination in the Paralympic Games.
Throughout her career, she has displayed incredible athleticism and skill, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness. She has earned the admiration of her peers and the respect of her opponents, making her a true legend in the sporting world.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom has some of the best table tennis players in the world and these players have achieved remarkable success in the sport. These players have helped to put the UK on the international map and have given the nation a great sense of pride.
The UK is now considered a powerhouse in the world of table tennis and these players have helped to make it so. Their determination, hard work and dedication have made them some of the best table tennis players in the world.
