ELEVEN-year-old St Helens youngster Arthur Attrill is making quite a racquet in the junior tennis scene after he won through a national qualifying event against top under-12 players from the region.

Arthur, currently ranked the number one player for his age in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area, made it through to play in the National Junior Championships at Bolton Arena next month as one of the top 48-ranked 12 years and under boys in Great Britain.

The Ryde Academy student, a member of Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, enjoyed his biggest win in tennis to date when he played in a regional tour event in Southampton last weekend.

In making it to the national tournament, Arthur had to beat the the region’s number one and two seeds.

Arthur, the son of Isle of Wight-based Olympic gold rower, Louis Attrill, is supported by Wightlink through Isle of Wight Council’s talented athlete scheme.

David Fothergill, head coach at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, said: "Arthur is a big, strong player for his age and is so self-motivated. Every time he steps on to the court, he is full of enthusiasm.

"Arthur has gone from strength-to-strength and sets a very good example to his fellow juniors."