Serving Up Trouble

What does the future of women’s table tennis in the UK look like? 🏓

In this episode of Serving Up Trouble, we discuss the Women’s British League (WBCL), a highlight of the table tennis calendar for many female players. We look back at the league’s history, reflect on the Premier Division and discuss what could be done to help women’s table tennis grow.

The European Individual Championships are here, and we’re debating who has what it takes to take the crown. 👑I’m joined by Tianna Dennison to break down the biggest names in European women’s table tennis, from Sabine Winter’s unusual anti-spin game to Bernadette Szőcs’s technical brilliance and Annett Kaufmann’s growing threat.We also discuss Romania’s strength, France’s exciting young talent, Natalia Bajor’s dangerous game, and why Anna Hursey is one to watch for Wales. Plus, we look back at Charlotte Carey’s incredible comeback at the World Championships and make our predictions for the European title.

Who do you think will take the title? Let us know in the comments!Subscribe for more conversations, analysis and stories celebrating women’s table tennis! 🏓#TableTennis #WomensTableTennis #EuropeanTableTennis #TableTennisPodcast

In this episode, we turn to Japan to explore what makes T-League so unique, from superstar players and unusual styles to its colourful teams, mascots, huge investment and incredible atmosphere!We break down how the league works, the players you need to watch, and some of the young Japanese talents making their mark. We also discuss the beauty of defensive table tennis, why being a little bit “weird” can be a huge advantage, and how T League is creating opportunities for the next generation.Plus, we look at Japan’s approach to women’s table tennis, the rivalry with China, the impact of Mima Ito, and why T League could offer a blueprint for what women’s professional sport can look like.If you’re new to T League, this is your guide. If you already follow it, there’s plenty here to debate!Watch and support T-League here!https://www.youtube.com/@UC8G37HiZcBR7DbesPi_5XRw 🎧 Serving Up Trouble is the podcast about everything women's table tennis, from the biggest tournaments and players to the stories, personalities and issues shaping the women's game.If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one!

What does it take to forge a lasting career at the top level of Table Tennis?This week on Serving Up Trouble, we’re joined by Swedish table tennis legend Matilda Ekholm, a player with 17 Swedish national titles, four European Championship medals and a peak world ranking of 20.Matilda talks honestly about her career, from being overlooked as a junior and becoming an unlikely underdog, to competing around the world and beating world No. 4 in front of a home crowd.We also get into her return to Major League Table Tennis, why she prefers team events to individual competition and what makes the MLTT format so exciting.Plus, Matilda shares some brilliant insight into her playing style, why she deliberately tries to be “awkward” to play against, her approach to longevity and injury, and why she has no intention of simply dropping down the levels.A fascinating conversation with one of the most unorthodox players in the game.🎧 Serving Up Trouble is the podcast about everything women's table tennis, from the biggest tournaments and players to the stories, personalities and issues shaping the women's game.If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one.#TableTennis #majorleaguestabletennis #WomensTableTennis #PingPong #TableTennisPodcast #ServingUpTrouble

The Asian Games are here, and in women’s table tennis, there is A LOT to talk about. 🇯🇵🏓In this episode of Serving Up Trouble, Chloe, Juliette and Tiana dive into one of the biggest events on the Asian sporting calendar and ask the big question:Can anyone stop China?With the Asian Games taking place in Japan, we look at whether home advantage could give Japan the edge, whether Miwa Harimoto can challenge the Chinese dominance, and how Hina Hayata’s form and previous injury could affect Japan’s chances.We also look back at the 2022 Asian Games, where China’s dominance was disrupted in the women’s doubles. We discuss how Japan, India, South Korea and North Korea have all shown that China can be challenged, particularly when unusual playing styles and strong doubles partnerships come into play.And there's plenty more 👀🇨🇳 The incredible story of the Japanese player who left the Chinese system and went on to beat Deng Yaping🇮🇳 The Manika Batra controversy: should she have been selected for the Asian Games, and was she right to speak out against the Indian federation?🏓 Why doubles could be China's biggest vulnerabilityPlus, we make our predictions for the Asian Games and reveal who we're backing to take the title.Who do you think will win? 🇨🇳🇯🇵🇰🇷Let us know in the comments!🎧 Serving Up Trouble is the podcast about everything women's table tennis, from the biggest tournaments and players to the stories, personalities and issues shaping the women's game.If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one.#TableTennis #AsianGames #WomensTableTennis #PingPong #AsianGames2026 #TableTennisPodcast #ServingUpTrouble

There's a party in the USA this week as we serve up a deep dive into Season 3 of Major Leagues Table Tennis! 🇺🇸🏓We’re heading Stateside for a full look at the standout performances, the players who caught our eye, and the women who brought it. 💪What did we make of Season 3? Who impressed us most? And what are our predictions for the upcoming Season 4?We’re talking big performances, big personalities and why MLTT could be a really exciting part of the future of professional women’s table tennis.🎧 Serving Up Trouble is the podcast about everything women's table tennis — from the biggest tournaments and players to the stories, personalities and issues shaping the women's game.If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one.#TableTennis #AsianGames #WomensTableTennis #PingPong #AsianGames2026 #TableTennisPodcast #ServingUpTrouble

Season 3 Episode 1

If you could build your ultimate fantasy table tennis team… who are you picking?

In this episode, Chloe goes head-to-head with new co-hosts Tiana and Juliette as they select their dream table tennis teams.

The rules are simple: pick your players, build the best squad possible and try not to lose your mind when someone steals the player you were about to choose!

Let us know in the comments: Who would be in YOUR fantasy table tennis team? And which host do you think has built the strongest squad?

Like, subscribe and share if you enjoy talking table tennis!

Season 2 Episode 8

Paralympic, World and European table tennis medalist Megan Shackleton joins me on Serving Up Trouble!
In a packed episode, we talk about finding the confidence to be creative and express yourself on the table, the nuances of the wheelchair game and how a mix of hard work and a winning mindset took her to the podium in Tokyo 2020!
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Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Megan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@megshackleton

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ITTF World Parkinson’s Class 1 Gold Medalist 2021 and showcase gold medalist 2025 Jan Fuller joins me on Serving up Trouble to talk about her table tennis journey. Jan started playing TT as a young woman. A Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2012 led her to return to the sport, prompted by extraordinary research into the benefits of TT for the condition.

Now she’s competed at the highest level, on the world stage!

Find out more about Parkinson's Table Tennis

Parkinson's UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/magazine/stories/table-tennis-and-parkinsons

Table Tennis England Parkinson's Toolkit:

https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/2025/how-you-can-unleash-the-power-of-table-tennis-to-help-people-with-parkinsons/

Socials

Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Read articles on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠

Season 2 Episode 6

Mari Baldwin joins me to discuss the different stages in a table tennis player’s early career. The steps from one age group to the next can be steeper than expected!

We also chat about our experiences being queer in the sport with lots of laughs along the way!

Socials

Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Mari: ⁠⁠⁠@_mari_baldwin_

Read articles on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠