The 6th PingPongParkinson® World Championships 2025 took place in the beautiful coastal town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from October 20 to 26, 2025. https://pppwc.org/t/lignano2025
This isn’t just a table tennis tournament; it’s a powerful global movement where athletes with a Parkinson’s diagnosis come together to compete, share their stories, and raise awareness about the significant benefits of table tennis for managing the condition.
Team Malta at the World Championships 2025
Team Malta was composed of participants Anna Tabone, Adrian Casha, Francis Barbara and Ralph Accarino, led by Alpha TTK Coach Katia Mifsud. Our participants competed in the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles events. This was the fourth world championships that our team is competing in, always an emotional and learning experience for us all.
Team Malta Results at the World Championships 2025
Ladies’ Singles
Anna Tabone advanced to the Quarter Finals of the Ladies’ Singles Class 2 event. This is her first time competing in this class and she has shown to be amongst the best 
After qualifying in 2nd place out of 6 players in the groups stage, she won with a 3-0 score Vs Hoffner (AUT) in the round of 16 and then lost to Powolny (FRA) in the quarters.
Well done Anna! We are all proud of you for reaching so far in the world championships!
Men’s Singles
Competing in Class 2, Ralph Accarino took on the challenge of competing in this higher category with great honour. After missing on qualification to the main event of Class 2, he entered the consolation event and won his first knockout match in the round of 64. R.Accarino Vs R.Amri (GER) 3-1 [12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4]. In the round of 32 match Accarino was outed by Frank Graindorge (FRA) 1-3 [9-11, 8-11, 11-7, 5-11].
Another performance to be proud of!
Adrian Casha and Francis Barbara, competed in Class 3 of the Men’s Singles.
Casha qualified to the Main Event placing 3rd in his group with 3 wins out of 5 matches. He entered the main knockout losing to Heiko Rauchmaul (GER) 0-3 [5-11, 4-11, 8-11]
Barbara entered the consolation event and lost in the round of 64 to his opponent Bruno Cramer (GER) 0-3 [3-11, 4-11, 5-11].
Men’s doubles
Adrian Casha teamed up with Miljen Rasic (CRO). The pair placed 2nd out of 4 in the qualifying group and moved on to the Main Event of Class Class 3 Men’s Doubles. In the round of 32, they won 3-0 [11-5, 11-5, 11-6] vs the pair Dumont / Graindorge (FRA) and then lost to Klose / Senger 1-3 in the round of 16.
The pair Ralph Accarino and Frans Barbara also competed in Men’s Doubles but in Class 2. They did not qualify from the group and lost their first knockout match to the pair Fuentez Criado / Recuero Diez (ESP) in the round of 32.
Ladies’ Doubles
A medal was so close within reach but not to be in the Ladies’ Doubles Class 2. Team Anna Tabone and Anita Schultz (NED) placed 2nd in the qualifying group of 4. The pair entered their Quarter Final match with bravery and faced the opponents with a strong will, but luck was not on their side. Still, to have made it to the quarters of the main draw Class 2 is a very commendable feat! Well done ladies, bravi!!!
Mixed Doubles
In the Mixed Doubles, the pair Anna Tabone and Adrian Casha had extremely close losses in the qualifying group, resulting in them going for the consolation event. They ended within the last 16 knockout of Class 2 Mixed Doubles Consolation with a very close 2-3 loss to their German opponents.
A Global Gathering of Resilience
The PingPongParkinson® World Championship is a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease. The event brings together hundreds of players from dozens of countries, creating a supportive and inspiring “PPP family” environment.
At many points, throughout the competition, Team Malta players had to struggle with their PD symptoms, and fight inner battles of doubt and tiredness. Together with Coach Katia, they would schedule and plan not only competition timetables but also medication, rest and recovery, warmups and meals.
Our participation in the PingPongParkinson World Championships 2025 was made possible through the assistance of Hon Min Julia Farrugia and the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.
Why Ping Pong for Parkinson?
Numerous scientific studies highlight the therapeutic benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s. The sport is particularly effective because it requires intense physical and cognitive engagement, stimulating a whole-brain workout:
- 🧠 Cognitive Boost: The fast pace demands visual attention, spatial processing, strategy, and quick decision-making, challenging executive functions often impacted by Parkinson’s.
- 🤸 Motor Skill Enhancement: Ping pong improves hand-eye coordination, balance, and fine motor control through repetitive, targeted movements.
- 🤝 Social & Emotional Wellness: Beyond the physical benefits, the championship fosters a deep sense of community, camaraderie, and hope, which is vital for improving overall mood and quality of life.
Alpha TTK encourages all persons with PD to come to our club and practice table tennis! Contact us for more info
Disclaimer: The content in any publication is the sole responsibility of the Alpha TTK. The Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector is not liable for any issues arising from the information.