Josh Ward-Hibbert knocks out top seed at Ilkley
11th July 2013
Josh Ward-Hibbert knocked out top seed Josh Goodall at the Aegon GB Pro-Series Ilkley on Wednesday.
World No. 311 Goodall, was beaten in a close second round match 7-5, 6-4, by talented youngster, Ward-Hibbert who is currently ranked 774 in the world.
Ward-Hibbert had a successful day, also pairing up with Liam Broady in the doubles. Broady and Ward-Hibbert, the No.2 seeds at Ilkley defeated fellow Britons, Tom Allen & Oliver Hudson on their way to the semi-final with a 6-2, 6-4 win.
In-form player, Daniel Cox who only returned to tennis in February after a seven month break due to wrist surgery, recaptured the form that saw him lift a similar title at the Manchester Aegon GB Pro-Series last week defeating another talented youngster, 16 year-old, Julian Cash in a close match 7-6(2), 6-2 which Cox had to turn around from a break down in the first set.
Other Britons through to the quarter-finals include Tom Farquharson and talented junior, Jonny O’Mara who beat Jathan Malik in an epic 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-5 match. Marcus Willis also beat Italian, Lorenzo Frigerio 6-4, 6-4.
Richard Gabb is also through to play the second seed from France, Antoine Benneteau, who is an exciting player to watch with a huge serve that proved just too good for British player, Ben Lott in his 6-4, 6-2 win in the second round.
Caroline Buncall, Ilkley Tournament Director said: “There are lots of exciting matches on daily and the Brits feature really strongly this year. We are looking forward to the finals day on Saturday 13th where it should be a great day and the weather forecast is even smiling on us at the moment!”
Alison Gray, Partner and family law specialist added: “We are keen to be supporting many of the grass roots events taking place during the tennis festival many of which involve local schools and young people. We look forward to watching a fantastic standard of tennis throughout the international men’s week.”
Entry to the Event is free and the club hopes to attract a large number of spectators to watch top class players in action.
Caroline says: “It makes a fabulous day out as there is great food in the café bar and unbeatable views of the grass courts from the Club house terrace, and the spectacular panorama of Ilkley moor and beyond. There’s also a Search for a Star free coaching event for children aged 10 and under from 9-11am on Saturday 13th so there’s plenty to keep players and spectators alike entertained.” To sign up for the Search for a Star event please contact reception on 01943 607182.
Play starts on Thursday at 1.30pm with the first set of men’s quarter-finals with further singles matches and doubles matches to follow.