London 2012 Paralympic bronze medalist Paul Davies will miss next month’s World Para Table Tennis Championships after undergoing surgery.

The 47 year old from North Cornelly, who took silver in last year’s European men’s class 1 singles and gold in the team event with fellow Welshman Rob Davies, had been suffering from a pressure sore that was not healing and required surgery. The recovery time needed will rule him out of competing in the World Championships.

“It is a great disappointment for Paul and for the team,” said GB Para Table Tennis Team Performance Director Gorazd Vecko. “Paul has been in great form this season and was a definite medal prospect in the singles for us; he and Rob would also have been favourites to take the gold medal in the team event so he will be greatly missed.

“However, it is most important to make sure that he recovers fully from the operation and he will be back stronger than ever next year.”

The World Para Table Tennis Team Championships will take place in China from September 6-15. The GB Team will be announced later this month.