Wales secure brilliant finish at ITTF World Team Championships

Wales achieved a brilliant result at the ITTF World Team Championships 2026, reaching the Round of 32 stage after topping their group. 

It looked a challenging group phase after the side had been pitched up against Nigeria, Uzbekistan and, notably, Australia, but the trio of Anna Hursey, Charlotte Carey and Danielle Kelly performed admirably throughout to achieve a fantastic result. 

The classic Welsh spirit was audible in the Copper Box for the side’s opener against Nigeria, as a small corner was occupied by fans from home cheering on the team below. 

And that support was repaid instantly as Wales romped to a 3-0 victory to kick things off in style.  

Stepping up first was Anna , who dispatched her opponent 3-0, before Danielle overcame tough pressure from Fatimo Bello to seal a nail-biting 3-2 win.  

Danielle lost the first set, before storming into a 2-1 lead; keeping her composure after being pegged back, she went onto claim the deciding set convincingly, winning 11-5. 

Finally, Charlotte stepped up to the table, putting in a consistent and solid showing to see off her opponent 3-0, dropping just 13 points over the three games.  

“It was fund to play today in a team event,” Anna stated after the match. “It was good to come away with a 3-0 win and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.” 

And the next day brought a slightly unknown challenge in the form of an Uzbekistan side that came out of the traps aggressively, after a hefty delay saw the match start 45 minutes late. 

Despite going 1-0 down, however, Anna tamed the threat and got Wales off to the perfect start with a 3-1 win. 

Charlotte then stepped up to take advantage of the momentum and made it 2-0 with another 3-1 win, securing her victory with a resounding 11-0 thumping of her opponent.  

Danielle was next up and made sure of another 3-0 Wales win as she produced some blistering table tennis on her way to a 3-0 individual win. 

“We’re really happy,” Charlotte told us. “We went in not really knowing what to expect… and went in with quite an open mind. 

“We started a little bit late, little bit nervous going in; we were relaxed before and then went in with a little bit of pressure, but I think we all handled it well and obviously to come away with the 3-0 win is exactly what we wanted.” 

Following a rest day, Group 11 would present the Welsh team with its toughest challenge yet as they faced Australia. 

And a challenge it definitely was, as a gruelling two-and-a-half hours ensued. Through grit, determination, spirit and sheer quality, though, Wales prevailed with a 3-2 victory that sent them straight to Wembley.  

Following defeat in the opening game, Charlotte became the heroine of the hour when she stepped up with the score tied at 2-2.  

Anna’s second win of the day pegged Australia back after they’d gone 2-1 up, affording Charlotte the opportunity to ensure that a dramatic finale would go Wales’ way. 

And it did, despite the Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist losing the first set. Regaining her composure with the support of the team behind her, Charlotte went on to claim the next two sets in convincing fashion before securing a nail-biting 12-10 win in the last. 

“We knew coming into the match that we were going to have to play well to win,” she told us after the brilliant battle on table five which saw Wales top Group 11.  

“They’re a very strong team with three strong players. We had to be at our best today and thankfully we were. We took our chances today and we are all looking forward to playing at Wembley!” 

And it was a performance worthy of Wembley as Wales were drawn to play Hong Kong in the Round of 32, the team ranked ninth in the world.  

It wasn’t meant to be for the Welsh ladies in the end, but a narrow 3-2 defeat demonstrated the grit, determination, spirit and quality that they’d shown throughout the World Team Championships.  

“We played well as a collective but there were just a few moments that didn’t go our way and our opponents were clinical,” stated Anna after Hong Kong secured progression to the last 16.  

“Despite this, I think we can feel proud about the week we’ve spent at this tournament. From a dominant start to the dramatic end of our group stage, and to have played at Wembley – we’ve loved every minute! 

“We’re pleased to have made it this far and would like to thank everyone for their support along the way!” 

Table Tennis Wales couldn’t be prouder of Anna, Charlotte and Danielle who represented Wales brilliantly in London. We’d like to congratulate the team on their fantastic performance in reaching the knockout stages and giving an amazing account of themselves throughout.  

We would also like to congratulate and thank the coaching team, Nathan Thomas and Callum Evans, for their commitment and support in London, as well as all the supporters who cheered the team on from the stands and at home!