Top British Junior, Josh Sapwell, continues his terrific form that has elevated him to 28 in the Tennis Europe Rankings with a solid performance in the Winter Cup. This year’s winter cup was held in Sweden and 3 British Under 14 Players travel to compete in this event that has 29 different nations playing in 4 separate groups. Great Britain had a tough group with Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Switzerland, with France receiving a bye to the semi's as No.1 seeds. GB played Switzerland and won the tie 3-0 with Josh playing singles against the Swiss No.2 Matej Kostadinov (European Ranking 155). Even though Sapwell’s performance was below par, he came through 6-3 6-2 in the match.

GB went on to reach the semi finals against the home country Sweden. Josh played the Swedish No.2 Elias Ymer (European Ranking 41) and produced a great performance to take the match 6-0 6-2. Josh went on to team up with fellow Brit, Peter Ashley, in the doubles to beat the Swedish number one and two 7-6, 6-1 and win the tie 3-0. 
 
Sapwell and the team went on to compete against the number 1 seeds, France, in the qualification final. In the French team they had the Tarbes winner and Teen Tennis runner up, two of the best Under 14 players in Europe. Unfortunately France proved too strong for Team GB as they lost all three rubbers. After being 2 rubbers to 0 down in singles, Josh’s team mate was injured which unfortunately resulted in them forfeiting the doubles match. In Josh’s singles match he lost to Thomas Brecehmier (European Ranking 18) 4-6 5-7. After this match Josh said, “I felt the other guy played better on the day and deserved the tight victory, but I’m pleased with how we have performed throughout the event and that we have qualified for the team finals.”

Released: 12 February 2010

The British Team will now travel to Ascoli in Italy for the team finals on Feb 19th-21st.