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.