History Made for New Zealand at the ITTF-Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships

New Zealand’s Para table tennis team has written a new chapter in the sport’s history, finishing the singles events at the ITTF-Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships with medals in every class for the very first time.

The highlight came from Paralympian Matthew, who powered his way to victory in the Men’s Singles Class 6–7. Matthew didn’t drop a single game, powering past Australia’s Jake Ballestrino 3–0, Lennard Properjohn 3–0, Kenneth Liddle 3–0 and Yaser Hussaini 3–0 to seal the championship in victory. 

His gold medal was New Zealand’s only singles title, and it lit up the Rosehill College venue as the home crowd celebrated a defining moment.

Matthew reflected on the win with pride:

“I came here for a mission and to win this gold at home means so much to me, especially with my dad travelling all the way from the USA to be here and watch me from the stands. At first I was nervous because I felt the expectation after winning the 2023 edition. But then I reminded myself it is table tennis. Once I focused on that, everything clicked. This medal is about showing what is possible with hard work and support. I am proud to represent New Zealand and hope this inspires more players to chase their goals.”

Across the Board Success

New Zealand’s consistency across all categories made the Championships a milestone event. Head Coach John Tuki emphasised the achievement:

“I could not be happier. This is the first time New Zealand has achieved medals in every singles class at an ITTF-Oceania Para Championships. It shows how far we have come and how strong our Para table tennis community is. Every athlete should be proud.”

Results

• 🥈 Women’s Singles Class 3–5: Sarah Clarke – 2nd

• 🥉 Women’s Singles Class 7–10: Cadence Grant – 3rd

• 🥉 Men’s Singles Class 1–3: James Goulding – 3rd, Tim Johnson – 3rd

• 🥉 Men’s Singles Class 4–5: Grant Cleland – 3rd

• 🥇 Men’s Singles Class 6–7: Matthew Britz – 1st

• 🥈 Men’s Singles Class 8: Mark Gladney– 2nd, 🥉 Victor Kamizona – 3rd, 🥉 Liam Hogan– 3rd

• 🥉 Men’s Singles Class 9–10: Joshua Rae– 3rd

Next Up: Doubles

With singles wrapped up, focus now shifts to the doubles events on 27 and 28 September. After such a historic singles campaign, New Zealand’s players will be eager to add even more medals to the tally.