Former Rackets Champion Alex Titchener-Barratt Visits St Paul’s

Last Friday, the St Paul’s community was treated with a world class Rackets exhibition with a visit from former World Doubles Champion and current World Singles number 2, Alex Titchener-Barrett.

Alex came in to give our own National Schools number 1, Nico Hughes, some valuable practice in preparation for the National Schools Singles Tournaments in two weeks’ time.

With a packed gallery of spectators, Nico raced off to a 6-0 lead. However, these points were soon clawed back as Alex began to take charge, winning the first game 15-7. From this moment we were all reminded, and rightly so, that this was a practice session for Nico, and to imagine Alex would be seriously threatened in terms of winning and losing was fanciful; his superior experience and weight of shot was, as his world ranking suggests, always unlikely to be truly challenged. However, the practice and tips Nico received were extremely valuable and will hopefully give him the edge as top seed in the fast approaching national schoolboy event.

Sincere thanks to Alex for coming in, Umbreen for her camera work, and all those who took to the gallery for much needed support for Nico.