Champions and medallists at the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships will once again receive higher prize money thanks to additional investment from the title sponsor.

Following last season’s doubling of prize money to just over £13,000, that level will be maintained for the 2024 Championships which takes place at the David Ross Sports Village in Nottingham from 22-24 March.

The enhanced rewards apply across all events – singles, doubles, para and under-21 categories, both male and female.

It reinforces the pledge made by Mark Bates Ltd in 2020 to increase prize money during its five-year partnership with Table Tennis England. The total prize money was increased by 25% in 2020 and then doubled last season.

Mark Bates, Managing Director of Mark Bates Ltd, said: “Our leading athletes, who work so hard to achieve success, deserve to be rewarded for that effort and commitment, so we’re delighted to once again invest in prize money to help make that a reality.

“The Nationals is a fantastic event, and I can’t wait to see the best players competing for the top trophies, and to meet many of the spectators who will also enjoy all the thrilling action.”

Adrian Christy, Chief Executive of Table Tennis England, said: “We continue to appreciate the ongoing commitment from Mark, and his team, to the Championships, which, consequently, has gone from strength to strength.

“We look forward to welcoming Mark, his family and the wider table tennis community to a fantastic event in March.”

Tickets for the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships will go on sale early in the new year, after the Qualifying Tournament in Nottingham on January 6-7, when the top 14 men and women will earn their places at the Nationals ‘proper’, joining the top 16 players, who have already been invited.