Stonehouse table tennis star Billy Shilton has been named in a 17-strong British team that will compete in the ITTF European Para Table Tennis Championships taking place in Helsingborg, Sweden from November 20-25, 2025.
The 26-year-old is looking to win his first major singles medal after a frustrating run of quarterfinal losses in his last three tournaments.
“I started the year by winning gold in Poland,” he said, “and since then my actual results have been good, but I’ve not gone that far in tournaments although I’ve only lost to two people all season. I’ve done a lot of work since the summer break, and I’m really focused now and determined to turn those results into medals. I know what I am capable of – it is just about getting over that line now. Being involved in big matches is enjoyable for me. When I was younger, I got really nervous and tried to shy away from it a bit but now I really enjoy competing in big tournaments and big matches and I’m really looking forward to it.”
As well as the men’s class 8 singles Shilton will also compete in the men’s class 14 doubles alongside Paul Karabardak, with whom he won the World title in 2022 and Paralympic bronze last year.
“I played with Martin (Perry) a bit after Paris to explore some options,” he said, “but being back with Paul is special. We’ve played in so many big matches and won some big medals and that gives us so much confidence because we know we can turn up to big tournaments and beat anyone. Paul has been playing really well – he’s like a fine wine that’s getting better with age – and that helps me because he is so experienced and it makes me more relaxed. I’m quite fiery when I play and I feel like he brings the level to me where I’m a lot calmer and that brings out the best in me, so I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to be competing with him again.”
