Top-class Hilton

JOHN HILTON admits to being 'under a lot of pressure' as number- one seed in the inaugural Guernsey Open that begins today at Hougue du Pommier. But the 57-year-old can undoubtedly handle it.

Hilton is the only Englishman to have been European champion, he is still ranked in the top 12 nationally and is the top veteran in England.

'I know there are a lot of good players from Guernsey and Jersey and I am looking forward to some good matches,' he said.

'My main goal in table tennis is to compete. I still enjoy it, I am still fit enough and I enter all the competitions I possibly can.'

Hilton has been in the island all this week to coach a senior training camp and it is a role he thoroughly enjoys.

'I have been doing exactly the same stuff with these players as I would do on an England training camp. It is never too late to learn,' he said.

Open organiser Mike Johns, of Sports Break, hopes that the event will become an annual fixture in the calendar.

'There was a lot of interest shown in the tournament and the top two seeds are both England internationals. Getting John here is a big plus and next week we have got a junior training camp where Alan Cooke, the current England number one, will be coaching,' he said.

The Visit-Guernsey supported Guernsey Open begins tonight and continue throughout the weekend.