In partnership with
The AI Work Handbook That Cuts Your Workday in Half
The 8-hour workday is becoming a 4-hour workday for people who know how to use AI.
Everyone else is still catching up.
This AI work playbook shows you exactly how to cut your work hours in half using AI.
Sign up for Superhuman AI and get:
50+ step-by-step AI tutorials to cut your workload in half — covering every part of your workday, from emails to strategy, used by 1M+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and NASA
Superhuman AI newsletter (4 min daily) so you keep discovering new AI tools and skills to stay ahead in your career — the playbook is just the start
Hi , and welcome to the latest special edition of Planet Table Tennis News focused on the World Team Championships currently taking place in London
I hope you enjoy this edition and if you have any comments or suggestions for future editions we would love to hear from you.🏓
You can let me know what your thoughts are about this edition by using the poll at the bottom of the edition.
If this edition has been forwarded to you and you have not yet signed up to receive Planet Table Tennis News, you can sign up now by heading to: www.planettabletennisnews.com/subscribe
Phil , Founder, Planet Table Tennis
Special Edition — World Team Championships
Table of Contents
"A player once told me: “I only play well when I feel good.”
So I asked him to track one thing for two weeks: Did you recover after every shot?
Not his winners. Not his mistakes. Just recovery.
Two weeks later he said, “It’s weird… my timing feels easier.”
That’s the point: confidence often arrives after you start doing the right basics.
Quote: “Play with purpose, train with intent, and trust your preparation.
World News
Results and Events around the world
We will in future editions be featuring different events and table tennis associations across the planet.
If you would like to have your country , association or event featured in this section please email [email protected]
🌍 The Big Stage Comes to London
The World Team Table Tennis Championships are one of the most prestigious events in the sport — and having them in London brings world-class table tennis right to your doorstep.
This event features:
Men’s and Women’s team competitions
64 nations per event
Matches played in a best-of-five team format (3 singles + 2 singles format depending on ties)
The very best players in the world competing not just for individual glory — but for their country
⭐ Star Players to Watch
The Championships bring together the strongest teams in world table tennis
Wang Chuqin — Explosive, modern attacking force
Hugo Calderano — Leading the charge for non-Asian dominance
Félix Lebrun — Europe’s rising superstar
Sun Yingsha — Speed and precision at the highest level
🧠 What Makes Team Events Different?
Team events are completely different mentally and tactically compared to individual competitions.
You’re playing for your teammates, not just yourself
Momentum swings affect the entire match
Players must adapt quickly to different opponents within one tie
👉 This creates:
Higher pressure
More tactical decision-making
Huge emotional moments
💡 Coaching Insight from the Championships
Watching these matches isn’t just entertainment — it’s one of the best ways to learn.
Pay attention to:
How early top players take the ball
How they structure the first 3 balls
How they respond after losing a point
This is real match play at the highest level — and there are lessons everywhere
Training & Coaching
1.How to Perform Under Pressure - Lessons from Team Matches
One of the biggest takeaways from the World Team Championships is how players manage pressure.
In team events, every point matters — not just for you, but for your entire team. This creates a level of pressure that most club players rarely experience.
The Reality of Pressure
Pressure doesn’t make players worse.
It reveals what they trust.
At the highest level, players don’t suddenly try something new under pressure. They rely on what they’ve trained repeatedly.
Key Principles You Can Apply
1. Keep your game simple
Top players simplify their tactics under pressure:
Serve → expected receive → planned attack
They don’t overcomplicate.
2. Focus on execution, not outcome
Thinking about winning or losing creates tension.
Focus on:
The next ball
Your positioning
Your contact
3. Use routines between points
Watch closely — players:
Take a breath
Reset physically
Refocus mentally
This helps control emotions.
Training Drill: Pressure Simulation
Play practice games starting at 8–8
Each point must be played with full focus
Track how you perform in tight situations
Coaching points
Commit fully to decisions
Avoid “safe” passive play
Stay mentally present
Key Takeaway
“Pressure doesn’t change your level — it exposes your habits.”
Train well, and pressure becomes an advantage.
2. Winning the First 3 Balls (What the Best Teams Do)
At the World Team Championships, one thing stands out clearly:
👉 The best players dominate the first 3 balls of the rally
This is where most points are won or lost.
Why the First 3 Balls Matter
They set the structure of the rally
They determine who takes the initiative
They create immediate pressure on the opponent
Top players rarely “wait and see” — they act early.
The 3-Step Pattern
1. Serve with purpose
Not just spin — but intention:
Short to control
Long to surprise
2. Anticipate the receive
Top players expect a certain return and prepare for it.
3. Attack with placement
The first attack is rarely a winner — it’s designed to:
Move the opponent
Create a weak reply
Training Drill: Serve + 3rd Ball Attack
Serve short backspin
Partner returns (push or flick)
You attack to a specific target
Repeat with variation:
Wide forehand
Wide backhand
Elbow
Coaching Points
Keep serves consistent
Don’t rush the attack
Prioritise placement over power
Recover quickly after attacking
Match Application
Instead of trying to win spectacular points:
👉 Focus on structured, repeatable patterns
This is exactly what the best players in the world are doing — and it works.
Key Takeaway
“The player who controls the first 3 balls usually controls the point.
Matches to Watch — World Team Championships Special - Men’s Matches
One of the best things about the World Team Table Tennis Championships is the variety of playing styles, tactical battles, and emotional moments that team competition creates.
Below are some of the standout matches and storylines fans should keep an eye on during the championships in London.
China vs Korea
The Ultimate Team Rivalry
Whenever China and Japan meet, the intensity immediately rises.
Key Players
Wang Chuqin
Jang Woo-jin
Korea are viewed as one of the strongest challengers to China’s dominance this year and recorded a win over China in the group stages. The first defeat China have suffered in this event for 26 years.
They meet again in the Quarter Finals.
Tactical Battle to Watch
Serve and receive quality under pressure
Momentum swings in team matches
👉 Expect explosive rallies and emotional intensity.
France vs Brazil
Heavyweight Clash
France arrive with huge momentum led by the remarkable Lebrun brothers, while Brazil continue to rely on the experience an explosive style of their talisman Hugo Calderano.
Key Players
Félix Lebrun
Alexis Lebrun
Hugo Calderano
France are now considered genuine title contenders after their recent rise in world table tennis.
Tactical Battle to Watch
Counter-topspin exchanges
Mid-distance rally quality
Physical intensity
This could easily produce some of the fastest rallies of the tournament.
👀 Rising Stars to Watch Throughout the Event
A major reason these championships are so exciting is the emergence of the next generation.
Young stars attracting huge attention:
Félix Lebrun
Truls Möregårdh
Lin Shidong
These players bring:
Fearless attacking play
Faster tempo
Creative shot-making
📺 Where to Follow the Action
The championships are being streamed live through official World Table Tennis You Tube Channel featuring all 4 tables at the Wembley Arena, with matches taking place daily in multiple sessions.
🧠 Coaching Tip While Watching
Don’t just watch the spectacular rallies.
Pay attention to:
The serve setup
Recovery position
Decision-making under pressure
How top players respond after losing points
That’s where the real lessons are.
Final Thought for This Special Edition
Watching the World Team Championships is more than just following results.
It’s an opportunity to:
Learn from the best
Understand match play at the highest level
Apply those lessons to your own game
If you are struggling to get any sort of improvements into your game I have put together “The Quick Win Improvement Pack” which takes 3 of the most common problems club players face and provides a guided solution to each of these. To find out more simply click the image or link below and get started improving your game today!
In future editions we will be highlighting lots of different equipment from a range of top table tennis brands.
You can check out the 2025/2026 season range of equipment and great offers from top supplier Bribar Table Tennis.
Simply click the image or link below
If you would like to share a great video or picture with everyone via Planet Table Tennis News please send to [email protected]
If you have an inspiring , entertaining or informative story you would like to share then please send this to [email protected]
How did we do?
If you were forwarded this edition or are reading online and you have not yet signed up to receive Planet Table Tennis News, you can sign up now by heading to: www.planettabletennisnews.com/subscribe
To install our new Free mobile app so you can get planet table tennis news delivered directly to your mobile each week head over to Planet Table Tennis News (click the image or link below)
Once there simply click on the menu ( 3 bars) on top right of the screen and select the install app option from the dropdown and follow the prompts. In a few moments you’ll be all set up.
I hope you have enjoyed this special edition
Have a great fortnight of table tennis!
See you in 2 weeks for the next edition
To your continuous improvement
All the best
Phil
