Dean Shu: The Spark of Challenge and Growth

Dean’s introduction to table tennis began early, but what kept him in the sport was not just familiarity. It was the challenge.

“I’ve been around table tennis from a very young age because my older sister was already playing the sport. I remember being in the Manawatu hall as a toddler. I started playing shortly after that when my family moved to Auckland.”

Over time, the game became more than just something he grew up with. It became a way to measure himself.

“I play table tennis because it demands the best of me. Competition has always motivated me to action, and I continue to improve the way I respond to that impulse in order to better embody the true spirit of competition. Ultimately, I’m here to see how far I can go and find out what I’m capable of doing.”

That drive was tested when he stepped away from the sport to focus on university. Returning was far from easy.

“Coming back to the sport after taking an extended break to focus on university presented challenges that I wasn’t prepared for. I went through a series of injuries and had to contend with the absence of habits that I had once taken for granted. I became disillusioned. But eventually, I found my feet once more. The turning point came when I decided to lean into enjoyment and trust it as an indicator of meaningful growth. I stopped trying to be the person I thought I should be and started meeting myself where I’m at.”

That decision reignited his spark. Not pressure. Not expectation. But enjoyment and growth.

At Singapore Smash, that spark was sharpened again.

“This year’s Singapore Smash has been a great learning opportunity. I think that for both New Zealand and myself, it’s still first steps on the World Table Tennis tour, so to get exposure to some of the best play in the world is a really valuable stimulus for growth.”

August Xiao: The Spark of Joy

August’s spark came in one clear, unforgettable moment.

“My table tennis journey began seven years ago at a Christmas party. There was a table tennis table at a friend’s house, and I was playing with my childhood friends. We were laughing, competing, and enjoying every rally. That was the first time I truly experienced table tennis. From that day on, I fell in love with the sport. I still remember that moment clearly. It was where my dream began.”

At the Singapore Youth Smash 2026, he finished in the top 16 in the singles event. But what mattered most was what he learned.

“As I grew, I realised that training and competition bring different challenges. Training is about pushing my limits every day. Competition is about using that limit freely and confidently when it matters most. When training and matches are full of pressure, belief is my only way forward.”

Singapore gave him perspective.

“My parents once said they hope I can see the world and see myself. At the Singapore Youth Smash, I truly understood what that meant. I saw the level of the best players my age and faced opponents with different playing styles. To me, that is ‘seeing the world.’ And through fighting for every single point, I became more aware of my weaknesses and clearer about the areas I need to improve. Through the challenge, I understood myself better. That is ‘seeing myself.’”

Looking ahead, August remains focused.

“This year’s competition schedule is busier than ever. 2026 will be a year full of challenges and opportunities. The Youth Olympic Games is one of my most important goals, and I am working hard towards it. But a long journey begins with small steps. Right now, my focus is preparing for my next tournament, the New Zealand South Island Individual Championships. One step at a time, I will keep improving and work towards higher goals.”

One Spark, Two Journeys

Dean’s spark is the desire to see how far he can go.
August’s spark began with joy and became a dream.

Both sparks carried them to Singapore. Both continue to drive them forward.

And their journey continues to grow from here.