4 Bishop Players compete at National Championships Bishop Auckland youngsters Peter Smallcombe, Leo Pontone, Luca Pontone and Anya Milne were all invited to play at the Under 10-13’s national Championships in Preston on the 25th of July.
Luca and Peter both competing in the under 13s events started the day off. Luca, the lowest ranked player on duty, put in some impressive performances against much higher ranked players but went out at the group stage. Peter who was seeded 7th was up for the challenge, coming out top of his group and through to the last 16 where again Peter came out on top winning 3-1 to reach the last 8.
In the Quarter finals Peter had to face England number 1. On this occasion he was too good for Peter but not before a tight 4 sets, Peter taking the first end and narrowly lost the final end 12-10.
Luca and Peter also were in the u13s doubles events, Luca teaming up with Luke Nimmo from Lincolnshire and Peter with Durham team mate Tom Rayner. Through luck of the draw they ended up playing each other in the first round with Peter and Tom coming out on top before going on to reach the quarter finals.
Anya competing in the u11 had a tough draw. Anya’s first match saw her go down in the 5 th set before having to play number one seed and the England number 1 next. However, a great achievement to reach the national championships.
Leo Pontone was also competing in the u11s and was drawn in group 12 as the lowest ranked player however, Leo hadn’t read the programme and went on to win the group, beating 3 players ranked above him to reach the last 32 where he then went down.