TORTON tennis talent Lewis Barnes is to compete in the U-12 national tennis last 16 at Bisham Abbey.

Barnes, the only West Midlands boy to qualify from one of three competitions, is still eligible for U-11 tournaments at the age of 11.

He had a dilemma with a direct entry to the U-11 finals and a place as one of the favourites.

But after advice from county performance officer Marc Kalkman and national coaches Tim Pyatt and Derek Bone, Barnes chose the older event.

He was not seeded for qualifying but reached the final after beating number two seed Jonathan Wynne, of Norfolk, and two other boys.

In a close last match, he was beaten 6-7, 3-6 by top seed James Penn, of Leicester.

Both qualifying tournaments and finals are played on clay courts which Barnes (pictured below) feels is not his best surface.

He prepared with intensive training at Bewdley Tennis Club with Kalkman.

Barnes, who plays for Stourbridge Tennis Club and is a member of the National Futures Squad, attends Lickhill Middle School in Stourport.

His father Nick said: "Since he joined the national squad in January, he has really taken off.

"I don't know whether it's psychological or a step up in the training programme. He's a lot fitter than he was but then he was pretty fit anyway.

"His coaches are trying to get him to play above his age group because he's a big, strong lad."

He is currently seeking sponsorship and anyone interested can call Nick on 07973 191822.