Australia Dominates ITTF Oceania Para Championships Qualification
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Oceania Para Table Tennis championships 2024: Qualification for 2026 Worlds
Table of Contents
Overview
The ITTF Oceania Para Championships concluded in auckland, New Zealand, with Australian athletes dominating the qualification process for the ITTF World Para Championships 2026. The three-day championship, New Zealand’s first Para table tennis championship as 2003, saw 48 athletes from eight Member Associations compete for direct qualification to the 2026 event in Pattaya, Thailand.
Australian Dominance
Australia’s Paralympic medallists from Paris 2024 showcased their skill adn secured qualification spots for the ITTF World Para Championships 2026. The championship highlighted the depth of talent within the Australian Para table tennis program.
Key Australian Victories
- Men’s Singles Classes 9-10: Ma Lin (Bronze medallist, Paris 2024) defeated Lucas Heath Milsom 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-9).
- Men’s Doubles Classes MD14-18: Ma Lin and Lucas Heath Milsom won the title.
- Women’s Singles Classes 7-10: Lei Li Na (Bronze medallist, Paris 2024) defeated Yang Qian (Gold medallist, Paris 2024) 3-1 (8-11, 11-8, 9-11, 10-12).
- Mixed Doubles Classes XD14-20: Ma Lin and Lei Li Na defeated Lennard Properjohn and Yang Qian 3-1 (13-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-2).
- Mixed Doubles Classes XD7-10: Christopher Addis and Lisa Di Toro defeated New Zealand’s James Alexander Goulding and Sarah Jayne Julia Clarke 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-3).
New Zealand Performances
New Zealand celebrated strong performances on their home soil, with Matthew Britz leading the charge. The event provided valuable experience and a platform for New Zealand athletes to compete against some of the best para table tennis players in the Oceania region.
New Zealand Highlights
- Men’s Singles Classes 6-7: Matthew Britz secured qualification for the ITTF World Para Championships 2026, winning all his group matches, including a 3-0 victory over Australia’s Lennard Properjohn.
- Mixed Doubles: James Alexander goulding and Sarah Jayne Julia Clarke reached the final of the Mixed Doubles Classes XD7-10.
- Men’s Singles: Mark leigh Gladney claimed silver in Men’s Singles.