NATIONAL player Theodore Purkis, aged 10, a pupil at The Grange Preparatory School in Monmouth, has earned himself a place in the annual World Tournament in Pula, Croatia – one of the most prominent under 10 tennis tournaments in the world – later this month.

Theo is the only boy to be selected from the UK this year for the prestigious Smrikva Bowl event, so it's a huge achievement that recognises his hard work.

The tournament is played on clay, Theo's favourite surface, and previous competitors have gone on to become professional players.

Winners of the event are given a mountain bike, a contract with Wilson, a seven day course at The Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, and wild cards into other tournaments.

Theo said he was looking forward to the experience: "It's important to learn as much as possible from it as well as enjoying it.

"What a wonderful opportunity I have" he said. Theo also wants to thank everyone who has helped him on his tennis journey so far.