Australia Claims Top Honors at ITTF Oceania Para Championships, Securing 2026 World para Championships Spots
Auckland, New zealand – Australia emerged as the dominant force at the ITTF Oceania Para Championships 2025, concluding today with athletes earning direct qualification spots for the ITTF World Para Championships 2026 in Pattaya.The championships, hosted in Auckland, showcased a record participation of 48 players from eight Member Associations, signaling continued growth for para table tennis in the Oceania region.
The Australian team secured victories in five of the seven singles categories,demonstrating their strength and depth within the sport. Chen Junjian triumphed in Men’s Singles Classes 1-3, Jimmy Huo in Classes 4-5, Lisa in Toro in Women’s Singles Classes 3-5, and Law Li Na in Women’s Singles Classes 7-10.My Linen also secured a win in Men’s Singles classes 9-10. These wins are particularly significant as the 2026 world Para Championships will be held during the ITTF’s centenary year.
New Zealand’s Matthew Britz delivered a standout performance, living up to expectations as the top seed in Men’s Singles Classes 6-7, securing his own qualification for Pattaya 2026. Britz won all his group matches, including a decisive 3-0 victory over Australia’s Lennard Properjohn. Mark Leigh Gladney added to New Zealand’s success, claiming silver in Men’s Singles Class 8.
Under the ITTF qualification system, the top male and female athlete from each class (excluding WS1) at the Oceania Championships earn direct entry to the World Championships. With 50 male and 45 female athletes qualifying globally through continental championships,the Auckland champions have secured valuable places at para table tennis’s premier competition.
The accomplished hosting of the championships by Table Tennis New Zealand marks the culmination of a two-year development program focused on classification seminars and educational initiatives,providing crucial international experience for local athletes. The event builds momentum following the sport’s success at Paris 2024 and the reimagined ITTF World Para Circuit, setting the stage for an exciting lead-up to Pattaya 2026.
Singles Champions & Qualifiers for ITTF World Para Championships 2026:
* men’s Singles:
* Classes 1-3: Chen Junjian (AUS)
* Classes 4-5: Jimmy Huo (AUS)
* Classes 6-7: Matthew Britz (NZL)
* Class 8: Nathan Pellissier (AUS)
* Classes 9-10: My Linen (AUS)
* Women’s Singles:
* Classes 3-5: Lisa in Toro (AUS)
* Classes 7-10: Law Li Na (AUS)
