Liam Pitchford is feeling good as he prepares to take the next step on his comeback trail at the Europe Smash.

Pitchford will join Tom Jarvis and Tin-Tin Ho in the singles draws when the competition gets under way in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday 8 August.

Connor Green will be in action in the doubles – alongside Jarvis in the Men’s and Ho in the Mixed.

It is Pitchford’s second event back after hip surgery, having played at the US Smash last month, where he was defeated in the first round by world No 30 Hiroto Shinozuka of Japan, having received a wildcard into the main draw – this time, he will be in the qualifying rounds.

“I felt good at the US Smash – there were a few little things where if I’d had more matches under my belt, I would have taken the chances,” he said.

“It’s still going to be tough matches in qualifying at a Smash but hopefully I won’t be playing a top-30 player in the first match and I’ll get – I won’t say easier – but a more favourable match and get into the tournament.

“I’ve not played any matches since the US Smash, so it’s difficult to say where I am with my game. Practice is going well, but not having played matches for so long, you never know what’s going to happen.

“But the hip is feeling good and it’s another chance to see what I can do – I’m just going to go and play without pressure again.

“Last time I was in qualifying at a Smash, I got through (in Singapore in February 2025), so I’ve got that to believe in.”