Table tennis arrived at the Copper Box Arena this week as one of the venues set to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 welcomed competitive action for WTT Star Contender London 2025.
In 1926, London hosted the first World Table Tennis Championships, giving birth to both the event and the International Table Tennis Federation itself. One hundred years on, the sport returns to its birthplace for a historic anniversary celebration, and this week’s competition at the Copper Box Arena offers a taste of the atmosphere that English venues will radiate when the world’s best teams arrive in April 2026.
Home Stars compete on familiar territory
Connor Green caused a shock on Thursday evening by stunning Feng Yi-Hsin of Chinese Taipei, ranked 215 places higher at world number 55, with a sensational 3-1 (7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9) win. Green’s triumph included a remarkable comeback in the fourth game, rallying from 3-6 down to move ahead 10-6 before holding his nerve to save three match points and seal one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. The Copper Box Arena erupted in celebration as the world number 270 secured one of his finest career victories on home soil.
England wildcard Samuel Walker also impressed, pushing Germany’s Kay Stumper to the limit before falling 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9) in the men’s singles round of 64. Competing at a venue he could return to for the World Championships, Walker energized the crowd with a dominant third game, racing into a 10-2 lead before claiming the lead at 11-7. Although Stumper ultimately had the upper hand in a thrilling fourth match that was decided 9-9, Walker’s performance demonstrated the fighting spirit that England players will bring with them when competing in front of a home crowd at London 2026.
With England assured of a place as hosts at London 2026, Green, Walker and their compatriots are building towards a unique opportunity to compete where the sport’s greatest journey began.
Tom Jarvis, fresh from his break into the Top 16 at the World Championship Finals in Doha earlier this year, is among the England contingent using this week’s competition to hone their skills on home soil. The Skegness native’s remarkable performance in Doha – including a memorable win over Germany’s Dang Qiu – heralded his arrival on the world stage, and competing in London represents another step in his development ahead of the centenary celebrations.
A location ready for history
WTT Star Contender London continues until October 26 at the Copper Box Arena, providing valuable preparation in a venue that will play a pivotal role when the World Championships return to London. From April 28 to May 10, 2026, the sport will celebrate its centenary in the city where it all began: a homecoming 100 years in the making.
Continental Championships on four continents have already determined 48 teams per gender for London 2026, while the remaining qualifying spots will be determined via the world rankings in November 2025.
[Check out which teams are heading to London 2026 →]
The stage is being prepared. London is ready. The centenary awaits.
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