Tough going for Don

GUERNSEY'S 2007 men's champion Don Batiste (pictured) is experiencing how tough life can be on the world stage, but is thoroughly enjoying taking part in the World Champion of Champions tournament in Aberdeen's famous Westburn Park.

'It was great to win my first match at this level and a fantastic experience to come up against the world champion, Safuan Said, from Malaysia, in my second game,' said the battling Batiste, who is 71, last night.

'I thought I played well in my third game, but Ratish Lal, from Fiji, is obviously a most accomplished player and he played some terrific shots to beat me in straight sets,' he added.

Yesterday afternoon, Batiste met Phil Jones, from Norfolk Island, who has been the surprise package of these championships, and was again beaten in straight sets by a man who is as yet unbeaten in four matches.