Le Tocq sets his sights on top 100

PAUL LE TOCQ has broken into the world's top-50 mixed doubles pairs with partner Kerry Ann Sheppard. The Guernseyman, who is a Wales international, is currently playing tournaments in New Zealand and Australia after a summer of training in Malaysia.

Most recently, he and Sheppard reached the last 16 of the New Zealand Open in Auckland at the weekend.

'We played the number 35 world ranked pair and unfortunately we lost 15-6, 17-14, but we really competed at their level, which was nice,' Le Tocq said.

However, the Sarnian's future ambitions may be thwarted by the cost of participating in necessary events.

'I hope to break into the top 100 men's singles by the end of the year, but men's is a tough one,' he said.

'Unfortunately, I am probably playing my last season of badminton at this level due to lack of funds basically. To receive any funding from Wales I would need to be in the top 35 mixed doubles and top 60-70 singles and while I feel this is possible, i maybe two seasons in the doing and I just don't have the cash to do that.'

That could be good news for Guernsey badminton with Le Tocq weighing up the possibly of coming back and doing some coaching in the island.

He did not rule out applying for the role of Guernsey Badminton Association development officer, which is currently being advertised following Anne Johnson's departure.

But he still has playing commitments to attend to for now and will be back soon to play the European circuit in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

'I have also signed for a club in Switzerland, LNA Waterclubs, to play for them this year,' Le Tocq added.