The PG Mutual National Championships is set to be better than ever in 2018, with an improved schedule and presentation planned, giving players and spectators the best possible experience.

Hosting the event at the Copper Box Arena after the Team World Cup allows the Nationals to become a four-table tournament from the start, making the most of a world-class venue.

Proposed schedule changes would see the Under-21 competitions move to the Thursday, allowing for fewer matches and shorter playing days from Friday to Sunday and giving the Under-21s more prominence.

The full proposal is as follows:

• The Under-21 event to be played at the Copper Box Arena on Thursday March 1, beginning at 1pm and being played to a conclusion on that day.
• Format for the U21s to be 16 players, with top four seeded into quarter-finals and the rest playing in four groups of three, with winners advancing.
• No U21 entry fees to be charged in recognition of potential increased accommodation costs for players.
• The start of the PG Mutual (Senior) Nationals to be brought forward from 1pm to 10am on Friday March 2.
• The venue to be a four-table set-up from the start, going down to one show court for Sunday.

This proposal is part of an ongoing strategy to develop and upgrade the quality of all the National Championships, and to make them more consistent in format with international events.

The Under-21s will become either a standalone event or part of another tournament from 2018/19. Feedback on the proposed changes is of course welcome, please email help@tabletennisengland.co.uk