(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF)

After winning silver at the last World Championships and bronze in Paris despite a fractured knee, Jenson Van Emburgh is ready to take on the world’s best at the 2026 ITTF World Para Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. We caught up with him to chat about the competition ahead, his injury scare, and what he learned along the way.

You’re heading to Pattaya. What are you expecting this time?

“I’m looking to build on the silver medal I earned at the previous World Championships. Everyone in class 3 has improved, and the competition is going to be much tougher this time around.”  

Is there anyone in particular you’re watching out for?

“Feng Panfeng from China is also back and participating, so I know I will have to be at my best. I’m excited for the challenge and ready to give it everything I have.”

Part of your preparation was the ITTF World Para Elite tournament in Paris in September. That trip almost didn’t happen. What went wrong?

“The trip nearly took a different turn when I fell out of my wheelchair and fractured my knee just one day before traveling.”

But you went anyway, and you came home with a bronze medal.

“I did.  Despite the injury, I made the trip and went on to earn a bronze medal.”

What did you take away from that experience?

“The experience provided valuable lessons. Paris helped me better understand what I need to do to compete at my best on the biggest stage.”

How is the knee?

“It has improved significantly, and I’m playing without pain.”

After a setback like that, what does it mean to still be heading to the World Championships?

“I feel really blessed and honored to still be able to participate in the World Championships after what happened just before Paris.  My knee is doing much better, and I’m excited to go to Thailand, represent my country, and give it my best.”

What’s your mindset going into Pattaya?

“Between the silver medal from the last World Championships, what I learned in Paris, and how well my knee has recovered, I feel confident. With Butterfly’s support, I want to turn a challenging road to the World Championships into an opportunity to compete, learn, and achieve my best.”

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