Saltburn's Paul Drinkhall, a world class prospect if there was one, came close to providing an upset on the opening day at the National Table Tennis Championships in Sheffield.
The 14-year-old took former under 21 holder Andrew Rushton from Manchester to an all action 5 game thriller losing 11-9 in a match of memorable rallies and flashing forehands.
Drinkall, a much improved player since recent visits to China to train with the world champions, led 8-5 in the final game but was just unable to cope with the extra experience of the 21 year Lancastrian.
"Paul has a great future. He's a good learner and will improve all the time," said England coach Steen Hansen.
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