In-form Loveridge set to give ranking a big boost

ALICE LOVERIDGE proved she can mix it with the best in her age group in Europe during the team event of the European Youth Championships.

A tremendous effort in Terni, Italy, saw her win 14 out of her 16 games. Loveridge’s (pictured) best result came in the match against Portugal, which Guernsey lost 3-2, but where she beat the number-eight-European- ranked player, Maria Xiao.

Many other of her victims are also in the top 100 and Loveridge should receive a huge rankings boost accordingly. She was part of the cadets girls’ team, which had Guernsey’s best result in finishing 37th.

Kate Stubbington, appearing for the first time in the championships, played exceptionally well and if she and Loveridge had converted some close doubles matches into wins, they would have finished much higher. However, this is the highest level of junior competition available to the European countries and it was always going to be tough for the Guernsey teams.

Matt Stubbington is recovering well from his appendix operation and was due to leave hospital yesterday.

Due to his unavailability the cadet boys’ team placed 42nd.

The junior boys of Garry Dodd, Adam Langlois and Liam Robilliard have endured some tough matches, but all have put in good performances against high-calibre players.

Robilliard, who has another four years in this group, has shone in particular.

At the end of five tough days, they had to settle for 41st.

Yesterday saw the start of the individual competition, including singles, boys’ and girls’ doubles and mixed doubles.

Loveridge remains Guernsey’s best hope of making progression into the later rounds.

The events are straight knockout and she has been drawn against Polish girl Sandra Wabik. who is ranked 45.

The victor would face a Russian seed and the number four ranked player.

Dodd had the incentive of a match with current European champion and Olympic hopeful Paul Drinkhall in the second round if he was to overcome a Spaniard in his opening tie.

All the Guernsey players have had a very tough draw.

Adam Langlois faces Dutch opposition, his brother, Oliver, takes on a Pole, Liam Robilliard has a Turkish opponent and Kate Stubbington a Russian.

Article posted on 18th July, 2008 - 2.29pm

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