Competitors going for glory at the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships will receive higher prize money in 2025/26 thanks to additional investment from the title sponsor.

A total of £2,000 has been added to the prize pot for the event, which takes place at the David Ross Sports Village in Nottingham from 20-22 March.

This continues a positive trend driven by Mark Bates Ltd, with several increases to the prize pot since their sponsorship began.

The enhanced rewards apply across singles, doubles and para competitions, in both male and female categories.

The total prize money for the event is now £13,950 and the champions in the blue riband men’s and women’s singles competitions will each take home £1,800.

The news follows the extension of the sponsorship agreement, announced last month, and builds on the pledge made by Mark Bates Ltd in 2020 to increase prize money during its initial five-year partnership with Table Tennis England. The total prize money was increased by 25% in 2020 and then doubled in 2023/24.

Mark Bates, Managing Director of Mark Bates Ltd, said: “We’re really pleased to continue supporting and rewarding our amazing athletes – they work hard to achieve success and their effort and commitment deserves to be rewarded.

“I look forward to seeing who will add their names to the roll of honour at the Nationals in March and to meeting fellow fans of English table tennis at the event.”

Look out for details soon about how to enter the 2025/26 Nationals, with a refreshed format this season which brings qualifying and main draw together under one roof.