Loveridge ninth in Europe after string of Strasbourg successes

ALICE LOVERIDGE has underlined she is one of the top players of her age in Europe. The Guernsey starlet placed ninth of 46 at the European Under-13 Championships in Strasbourg, her progress to the final being ended by the number one seed from Moldova.

Her performance was heralded by Guernsey Table Tennis Association president Derek Webb as not only further proof of her outstanding ability but also of the sport getting things right in terms of player development.

'She's got the drive and determination, there is no doubt about it,' said Webb.

'The GTTA is thrilled with the result,' he added.

Twenty-nine nations were represented in Strasbourg and Loveridge eased through her initial group strage which also featured French and Belgian youngsters.

After collecting a bye into the second round the Grammar schoolgirl swept aside the Czech number two 3-0 for a place in the last 16.

However, the top seed beat her by a similar scoreline in the next round.

But three further victories guaranteed Loveridge a top-10 placing.

She defeated the Italian number one, who had beaten her 3-1 in the 2005 competition and then, two hours' later, France's top player.

Oceane Ebner played a similar type of game to the Guernsey girl, fast on her feet and hard-hitting.

But after three long and exciting games, Loveridge came away with another straight-sets win.

Her final match was against the Russian number two and, despite having to cope with top-quality spin serves, Loveridge won in four.