RISING tennis star Andrew McGlashen was robbed of one the biggest wins of his life on Sunday - for being too young!
The Southampton-based youngster pulled off a surprise victory for Hampshire Tennis Club against Winchester's highly-rated Alex Ross in a Division 1 fixture of the National League.
But the 12-year-old's 6-3 6-2 victory was turned into a 6-0 6-0 loss after officials unearthed a rule stating that the minimum age of competitors in the tournament was 13.
The controversial ruling contributed to a disappointing 5-1 defeat for the Hedge End club, which leaves them fourth in the table with just one win from their first three matches.
But captain Dave Gaterell was full of praise for McGlashen.
"Even if it didn't count, it was still a remarkable win," he said. "I have to be honest, when I heard the score was 6-3 6-2, I assumed that he must have lost and it wasn't until later I realised he had won. He is already a county standard player and clearly an excellent prospect."
Gaterell, who at 24 is the senior member of the squad, also enjoyed an excellent straight sets victory when he beat Winchester number one Julian Godfrey 7-6 6-3.
Hampshire were forced to field an under-strength side with Surrey's national doubles champion Ross Hutchings, his brother Blake and Guy Thomas all unavailable.
The selection crisis meant that 14-year-olds Adam Wright and Jo Dixon were also both given some valuable senior tennis experience.
Gaterell said: "Although we lost 5-1, we did very well considering we had such a young squad.
"Some of our usual players are away training in Spain at the moment, but it was a good effort and it shows that some promising players are coming through."
Hampshire's next match in the National League is away to Halton Heath on Saturday.
The women's team are also on their travels, making the trip to Esporta Royal Berkshire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article