The launch of the revamped ITTF World Para Circuit in 2025 has created a stage for some of the most compelling stories in Para sport, with ranking movements that tell tales of youthful ambition, veteran persistence, and the changing of the guard across multiple classes.
With two-thirds of the year complete, the world rankings reveal fascinating narratives of athletes rewriting history, teenagers defying expectations, and legends facing their greatest challenges yet.
The New Generation Takes Charge
Jenson van Emburgh has announced himself as the future of men’s class 3 with a meteoric rise to world number one. The American’s progression has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a stunning victory over MS3 legend Thomas Schmidberger earlier this year. Van Emburgh’s fearless approach and technical brilliance mark him as a clear gold medal favourite for upcoming major events.
In men’s class 11, Po Yen Chen continues to prove that age is just a number. The Taiwanese sensation, who captured silver at Paris 2024, has reached the summit of world rankings in just three years since joining the circuit. His rapid ascent represents one of the most remarkable breakthrough stories in recent Para table tennis history.
Veteran Comebacks and Fierce Battles
Abdullah Ozturk has demonstrated that class is permanent by reclaiming the men’s class 4 world number one position two years after losing his crown. The Turkish star has seized the opportunities presented by the new ranking system, though he faces an intense battle with Thailand’s Wanchai Chaiwut, with fewer than 50 points separating the pair in a rivalry that promises fireworks.
Perhaps the most shocking ranking change comes in men’s class 9, where Ander Cepas has ended Laurens Devos’s remarkable eight-year reign at the top. The Belgian legend had seemed unshakeable, maintaining a perfect 5-0 head-to-head record against the Spaniard. However, with their last encounter at Paris 2024, their next meeting has become one of the most anticipated clashes in Para table tennis.
Teenage Sensations Making Their Mark
The circuit has witnessed an explosion of teenage talent that suggests a bright future for Para table tennis. Krizander Magnussen exemplifies this new wave, climbing into the men’s class 7 top five in just two years. Whilst Elite podium finishes have remained elusive, his consistent medal performances in Future and Challenger events signal that breakthrough moments are imminent.
On the women’s side, Bly Twomey continues her relentless pursuit of the established order in class 7. The British teenager has been pushing veterans Kelly van Zon and Kubra Korkut with impressive performances, including two Challenger victories and an Elite semifinal appearance. Already a Paralympic medallist from Paris, Twomey represents the changing face of women’s wheelchair competition.
Sophia Kelmer has perhaps delivered the most stunning breakthrough of all, capturing her first Elite title in Thailand at just 17 years old to claim the women’s class 8 world number one position. Her victory showcased the fearless mentality that makes her a genuine contender for future major events.
Historic Battles and Generational Shifts
Women’s class 1 presents one of the most fascinating generational battles in Para sport. Dorota Buclaw had appeared untouchable, holding the world number one position since 2011 in a reign of unprecedented dominance. However, Aino Tapola has finally achieved the seemingly impossible by overtaking the Polish legend in the rankings. With WS1 returning as a medal event for LA 2028, their rivalry has gained even greater significance.
Bhavina Patel has emerged as a major force in women’s class 4, surpassing Paralympic champion Sandra Mikolaschek in the rankings through a brilliant first half of 2025. The Indian star’s four tournament victories, combined with two additional finals and semifinals, demonstrate the sustained excellence required to challenge at the highest level.
The story of Bruna Alexandre resonates as one of sport’s most compelling narratives. The Brazilian veteran, who began her Para circuit journey at 15, has finally reached world number one in class 10 after 15 years of dedication. Her four victories this year and Elite final appearance in Lasko represent the culmination of persistent excellence. With a singles gold medal the only trophy missing from her illustrious career, LA 2028 may represent her final opportunity to complete a perfect collection.
Looking Towards LA 2028
These ranking movements create compelling storylines with just under three years remaining until the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. The emergence of teenage talents like van Emburgh, Chen, Magnussen, Twomey, and Kelmer suggests the sport’s future remains in excellent hands.
Meanwhile, veteran battles like Buclaw versus Tapola and Ozturk’s fierce competition with Chaiwut demonstrate that experience and wisdom remain formidable weapons in elite competition.
The revamped ITTF World Para Circuit has provided the perfect platform for these stories to unfold, creating opportunities for breakthrough moments whilst maintaining the competitive intensity that drives the sport forward.
As we progress through 2025, these ranking battles promise to intensify, with each tournament potentially reshaping the landscape as athletes pursue their Paralympic dreams. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to a year that has already delivered some of the most compelling narratives in Para table tennis history.
