by Simon Daish
The players who will represent Wales in Düsseldorf are Chloe Thomas, Charlotte Carey, Daniel O’Connell and Callum Evans.
Speaking to the ITTF, coach Ryan Jenkins has stated that while he is confident that his squad will perform well the Welsh competitors will need to be at their very best for each match if the country is to enjoy a successful outing at the World Championships.
“Welsh players often need to play above their normal levels when competing on the biggest stage. At the World Championships in Dusseldorf this May it will be no different”, Ryan Jenkins.
Wales hasn’t been present at recent individuals World Championships, but the country did contest the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships in Malaysia where the squad finished in 59th position in the Women’s Team competition.
The country’s female competitors have continued to show a great deal of improvement over the past couple of years, with Chloe Thomas and Charlotte Carey both involved in a positive qualifying campaign for the upcoming European Team Championships as Wales only just missed out on a place in the Women’s Championship Division.
Ding Ning, Kasumi Ishikawa and Cheng I-Ching are just some of the names expected to compete in the Women’s Singles competition at the Liebherr 2017 World Championships, and while the Welsh squad may have a difficult task waiting ahead coach Ryan Jenkins believes that his team may just give the opposition much to think about and is calling upon his players to show plenty of fighting spirit in Düsseldorf.
“With previous experience from all four athletes at major events, Wales are hoping for big things. The draw, the opposition and the surroundings can be a step too far for many ‘Dragons’ but occasionally the underdogs prevail. Welsh people are known for their fight and passion and that will be evident in Germany as Wales, led by Charlotte, will fight for success on the biggest stage possible”, Ryan Jenkins.
