Table Tennis Australia Confirms Exemptions for Liu and Lum from 2026 National Senior Championships

Table Tennis Australia (TTA) can confirm that Yangzi Liu and Nicholas Lum will be granted exemptions from playing the 2026 National Senior Championships due to conflicts within the athletes' schedules.

Both athletes, who were set to represent Table Tennis Victoria at the Championships, have been drafted into India’s Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) League. The League is scheduled to take place from 9–26 July 2026, with athlete commitments starting on the 5^th July, overlapping with the National Senior Championships in Goulburn, New South Wales, from 6–11 July 2026. The date of the UTT League was regrettably changed in recent weeks, causing the unplanned clash of dates, with both players signing a letter of intent to participate prior to the change of date.

While TTA is disappointed that Liu and Lum will be unable to participate in this year’s Championships, we recognise the significance of this opportunity. The UTT League provides substantial financial benefits, which are particularly important given the largely self-funded nature of table tennis athletes, as well as valuable international competition experience, and the chance to compete against high-quality opponents, contributing to their ongoing development and future representation of Australia on the global stage.

Liu and Lum have both expressed their sincere regret at missing the 2026 National Senior Championships and intend to compete at the 2026 TTA Tour NSW and 2026 TTA Tour QLD.

The decision to grant exemptions was ratified by the TTA Board following consideration of all available options. TTA Chief Executive Officer Nicole Adamson said: “While we’ll miss Yangzi and Nick at this year’s National Championships, the event remains one of the most prestigious fixtures on the calendar and a defining moment for athletes across the country. With a deep and competitive field, we look forward to seeing players rise to the occasion and battle for the coveted title of National Champion, and in doing so capitalise on the national ranking points that are associated with the event."

TTA Board Member William Henzell added: “UTT provides significant financial reward to selected players, which helps to fund their continued investment in training and com petition. At the same time, it is a great honour to be crowned National Champion, and we want our best players to compete. I am confident we have found a fair balance that supports the viability of our top players and supports our TTA Tour and National Ranking System.”

TTA acknowledges that this decision may be disappointing; however, it is important to note that the event remains a cornerstone of the National Rankings System, and TTA looks forward to welcoming competitors from across the country to Goulburn in July.