| Cochrane and Bugby achieve their maiden World Rankings |
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| Wednesday, 27 October 2010 09:58 |
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TEAMBATH-MCTA is celebrating 2 more successes in taking players to the World Tennis stage.
Dan Cochrane and Miles Bugby (pictured) both won through the qualifying draw in the Pro-Series $15,000 event in Glasgow last week, then both went on to achieve notable victories in the Men’s Singles Draw which rewarded them both with their first ATP world ranking positions. Toby Martin then made it 3 players from TB/MCTA through to the 2nd round after fully justifying his wild card selection by defeating Francesco Vilardo of Italy 76 64. With 7 players in the event the representation from Bath was strong and included new recruits to the University of Bath, Marshall Tutu (Sports Performance) and Samantha Murray (Masters in Coach Education).
Cochrane, 18, from Hampshire has been at Bath for 5 years and is coached by Ian Macdonald. On his way through qualifying he defeated Bath stable mate Richard Gabb 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-3 in a high quality match. Cochrane currently trains and plays full time as part of the TB/MCT touring Academy. As a junior Cochrane had to undergo 2 serious operations on his arm so his achievement is one that is hugely satisfying and one to be very proud of.
Bubgy, 23, from Sussex has just joined the full time touring squad based out of Bath and headed up by Dave Sammel. Bugby progressed nicely through qualification, then in the Main Draw disposed of Brit James Feaver 46 62 64 before going down to Italian 7th seed Thomas Fabbiano 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3. Bugby has just retuned from American College where has been playing high level tennis as part of a scholarship.
“It is unrealistic to expect most players to peak at 18 to 22 and be able to create a real impact in the highest world rankings. This Sport is very tough to break through and we see the value in player’s using University, either here at Bath or in America, to provide training and game development so that they can have perhaps a better chance of making an impact at 23 or 24” said Director of Tennis Barry Scollo. He went on “Here at TB/MCTA we have international expertise and can provide training and competitive support packages for Players both within further education but also those who wish to pursue tennis full time, before or after University. Dan and Miles are great examples of this and have both done so well over the past 2 months, culminating in a successful outcome in Glasgow”
Tutu and Sid Hazarika lost out in the Men’s qualifying draw but both gained valuable experience playing at this level.
In the Ladies event Sam Murray produced an excellent display to knock out 12th seed Karen Barbat from Denmark but fell in the final qualifying round to Portugal’s Magali De Lattre 6-4 3-6 7-5.
In the Men’s Doubles an all Bath clash saw Cochrane & Gabb defeat Toby Martin who was partnered by George Morgan winning a close match 7-6(3) 4-6 [10-6].
Cochrane, Hazarika, Martin, Bugby, Tutu and Hazarika all move on to Cardiff for the continuation of the Tour this week. |
