diff --git a/plugins/platforms/telegram/adapter.py b/plugins/platforms/telegram/adapter.py
index 3a986283239c..8ab596076365 100644
--- a/plugins/platforms/telegram/adapter.py
+++ b/plugins/platforms/telegram/adapter.py
@@ -1482,11 +1482,12 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     def _content_is_pipe_table_primary(self, content: str) -> bool:
         """True when pipe tables are the only rich construct in *content*.
 
-        Tables are auto-routed to ``sendRichMessage`` even when the full
-        ``rich_messages`` opt-in is off — MarkdownV2 has no table syntax and
-        the legacy path rewrites them into bullet lists, which reads like a
-        regression when users enable Telegram Topics and expect native tables.
-        Task lists, ``<details>``, and block math still require the full opt-in.
+        Used downstream to decide rendering strategy *after* the
+        ``rich_messages`` config gate has already approved rich delivery.
+        MarkdownV2 has no table syntax — the legacy path rewrites them into
+        bullet lists — so callers may choose native table rendering when the
+        opt-in is active.  Task lists, ``<details>``, and block math indicate
+        composite rich content and return ``False``.
         """
         if not content or not any(
             _TABLE_SEPARATOR_RE.match(line) for line in content.splitlines()
@@ -1504,7 +1505,6 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Whether rich delivery is allowed for this payload."""
         return bool(
             getattr(self, "_rich_messages_enabled", True)
-            or self._content_is_pipe_table_primary(content)
         )
 
     def _rich_eligible(self, content: str) -> bool:
diff --git a/tests/gateway/test_telegram_rich_messages.py b/tests/gateway/test_telegram_rich_messages.py
index eb4a5b3802d8..3588442d64aa 100644
--- a/tests/gateway/test_telegram_rich_messages.py
+++ b/tests/gateway/test_telegram_rich_messages.py
@@ -582,21 +582,20 @@ async def test_notification_opt_in_drops_disable_flag():
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
-async def test_table_only_uses_rich_when_rich_messages_opt_out():
-    """Pipe tables auto-route to sendRichMessage even without the full opt-in."""
+async def test_table_only_uses_legacy_when_rich_messages_opt_out():
+    """Pipe tables respect the rich_messages: false config and stay on legacy."""
     adapter = _make_adapter(extra={"rich_messages": False})
 
     result = await adapter.send("12345", TABLE_ONLY_CONTENT)
 
     assert result.success is True
-    api_kwargs = _rich_api_kwargs(adapter)
-    assert api_kwargs["rich_message"]["markdown"] == TABLE_ONLY_CONTENT
-    adapter._bot.send_message.assert_not_called()
+    adapter._bot.do_api_request.assert_not_called()
+    adapter._bot.send_message.assert_awaited()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
-async def test_table_only_uses_rich_with_default_config():
-    """Default config keeps task lists on legacy but upgrades bare tables."""
+async def test_table_only_uses_legacy_with_default_config():
+    """Default config (rich_messages unset → False) keeps tables on legacy path."""
     config = PlatformConfig(enabled=True, token="fake-token")
     adapter = TelegramAdapter(config)
     bot = MagicMock()
@@ -608,13 +607,13 @@ async def test_table_only_uses_rich_with_default_config():
     result = await adapter.send("12345", TABLE_ONLY_CONTENT)
 
     assert result.success is True
-    bot.do_api_request.assert_awaited_once()
-    bot.send_message.assert_not_called()
+    bot.do_api_request.assert_not_called()
+    bot.send_message.assert_awaited()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
-async def test_dm_topic_resumed_send_uses_rich_for_table_without_reply_anchor():
-    """Resumed/synthetic DM-topic sends route tables via direct_messages_topic_id."""
+async def test_dm_topic_resumed_send_uses_legacy_for_table_when_opt_out():
+    """Resumed DM-topic sends respect rich_messages: false for tables."""
     adapter = _make_adapter(extra={"rich_messages": False})
 
     result = await adapter.send(
@@ -628,14 +627,13 @@ async def test_dm_topic_resumed_send_uses_rich_for_table_without_reply_anchor():
     )
 
     assert result.success is True
-    api_kwargs = _rich_api_kwargs(adapter)
-    assert api_kwargs["direct_messages_topic_id"] == 20189
-    assert "reply_parameters" not in api_kwargs
-    assert api_kwargs["rich_message"]["markdown"] == TABLE_ONLY_CONTENT
+    adapter._bot.do_api_request.assert_not_called()
+    adapter._bot.send_message.assert_awaited()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
-async def test_finalize_edit_rich_includes_forum_topic_routing():
+async def test_finalize_edit_legacy_includes_forum_topic_routing():
+    """With rich_messages: false, table edits use legacy path with topic routing."""
     adapter = _make_adapter(extra={"rich_messages": False})
 
     result = await adapter.edit_message(
@@ -647,9 +645,8 @@ async def test_finalize_edit_rich_includes_forum_topic_routing():
     )
 
     assert result.success is True
-    api_kwargs = _rich_edit_kwargs(adapter)
-    assert api_kwargs["message_thread_id"] == 5
-    assert api_kwargs["rich_message"]["markdown"] == TABLE_ONLY_CONTENT
+    adapter._bot.do_api_request.assert_not_called()
+    adapter._bot.edit_message_text.assert_awaited()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio