Butterfly Players Worldwide introduce Butterfly players who are making an impact around the world.
This time, we feature Anna Hursey from Wales, who won the U19 Girls’ Doubles title and took bronze in U19 Girls’ Singles at the 2025 World Youth Table Tennis Championships.

Profile of Anna Hursey

Explore Anna Hursey Q&A

Q1. How did you start playing table tennis?

My father loves table tennis, and he encouraged me to try it. I first picked up a racket when I was five, and from that moment I fell in love with the sport.

Q2. What’s your nickname?

“Anna.” I think Anna is a name that’s hard to give a nickname to.

Q3. What equipment do you currently use?

Right now I use the Viscaria Super ALC with Dignics 05 on both sides. It gives me great speed, so I feel it suits my playing style.

Q4. Which table tennis player do you admire?

Probably Zhang Jike from China, he is my favorite.

Q5. What do you focus on in your daily practice?

To make long training sessions enjoyable, I try not to lose sight of the importance of having fun.

Q6. We heard you trained in China for a period of time. What did you learn from that experience?

Training in China when I was young taught me a lot. I think I built my fundamentals during that time, and I was also able to learn from their training methods and mindset.

Q7. What kind of playing style and favorable match situations do you keep in mind during games?

I put a lot of emphasis on speed and placement, and that’s where I score many of my points. I like open rallies where the exchanges continue.

Q8. What do you do when you’re behind in a match?

I don’t think about the points that have already passed. I focus on regaining my concentration and targeting my opponent’s weaknesses.

Q9. What’s the match you remember the most?

The final match of the Paris Olympic European Qualification tournament in Bosnia, where I played against Póta (Hungary).

Q10. What are your hobbies?

I like listening to music, going to cafés with friends, and going to the cinema or restaurants.

Q11. What kind of music are you into, and who are your favorite artists?

I mainly listen to pop. My favorite artists are Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Jennie Kim.

Q12. What’s your favorite food?

Chinese food. I like Asian food in general, but I think Chinese cuisine has the widest variety.

Q13. What’s your favorite place in the UK?

London.

Q14. What’s your favorite country you’ve visited?

Tokyo, Japan.

Q15. How has becoming a Butterfly Advisory Staff changed things for you?

It has deepened my understanding of the values of the Butterfly brand.

Q16. You’re also known for your work on climate change—what are your goals going forward?

I want more people to learn about climate change. I want to take action starting from small things wherever I can, and especially within table tennis and sports, create as much positive change as possible.

Q17. What’s your short–term goal?

Right now I’m around 55th in the world (at the time of the interview), so next year I want to get into the top 30. I also want to keep improving and continue enjoying table tennis.

Q18. What’s your ultimate goal as a table tennis player?

To win an Olympic medal someday.

Q19. Do you have a message for your fans?

Thank you always for your support. I truly love table tennis, and I hope you’ll love it too.