Top Table Tennis star Derek Abrefa claims gold At 2025 Wilmott Cup finals

Ghana’s top-ranked table tennis player, Derek Abrefa, continues to make a strong impression in the United Kingdom, guiding Central London to a memorable victory over Birmingham in a high-stakes tournament held over the weekend.

The event, which saw eight regional teams qualify through zonal competitions, culminated in the 2025 Wilmott Cup Finals at Draycott, one of the longest-running league competitions sanctioned by Table Tennis England since its inception in 1979.

Speaking after the triumph, Abrefa — formerly of the Ghana Immigration Service — described the gold medal win as a special milestone in his career.

“It was a moment of joy for me as my name now becomes part of the history books of the English Leagues Cup Competitions,” he shared.

However, Abrefa's road to glory wasn't without obstacles. He faced a major setback when his racket was disqualified just before the match due to non-compliance with regulations.

“I overstretched the rubber while gluing and forgot to double-check. I assumed it would shrink over time, but it didn’t. The umpire alerted the referee, and after a cross-examination, I was told to switch rackets. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my spare bat,” he explained.

With no personal equipment at hand, Abrefa had to borrow rackets from teammates not actively playing. While such a blow would demoralize many athletes, Abrefa used it as fuel.

“In the battlefield, it’s not the sword that brings victory but the man behind the sword,” he noted.

His perseverance proved crucial. With Central London’s hopes hanging in the balance, Abrefa delivered a stunning performance in the final decider match, winning a dramatic five-set thriller 11-9 to clinch the title for his team.

“Yes, we won Gold. I give all glory to God for bringing me this far,” he said. “I’m grateful to Central London, SKT Club, and ebaTT Club for believing in me. Special thanks to my teammate, Oleg Biletskyi — together we fought to the top. And to everyone who supported me with prayers and encouragement, God richly bless you.”