BENJAMIN GREVE, aged 10 from Berkeley, travelled to the Tom Finney sports centre at Lancashire University on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 for the National U10-U13’s Table Tennis finals.

After seven hrs of play, Benjamin qualified first in his U11 group, made up of four boys who all play each other.

He beat the number eight seed in a thrilling five-set victory, snatching the fifth set 16-14.

Another convincing victory in the round of 16 meant Greve reached the quarter finals where he met the number three seed.

After taking the first set 11-7 and playing excellently, the tide turned against him.

He finally lost 3-1 with both boys providing the crowd with an exciting and closely fought match.

After a period of intensive training preparing for the nationals - five days a week - Benjamin is taking a week off before returning to his usual training. He will work with Paul Drinkhall, the England senior No.1, for two days in August, and is hoping the move can inspire him to achieve even greater things next season.