Tom Jarvis is aiming to take a big step towards the world’s top 50 when he makes his debut in the main draw at the Singapore Smash, starting on Thursday. 

The England No 1 has played at this level before – he was knocked out in the second qualifying round at the Sweden Smash last August, but went one better at the China Smash the following month, where he defeated the higher-ranked Liao Cheng-Ting of Chinese Taipei. 

This time Jarvis, currently ranked No 59 in the world, is straight into the main draw having been granted a wildcard. 

Not surprisingly, he is in exalted company, with nine of the world’s top 10 competing and most of the world’s top 50. 

Even losing in the first round would gain Jarvis 20 world ranking points, but there are huge incentives to pick up a win or two – getting through to the last 32 would take the haul up to 100 points. 

There are a whopping 380 points on offer to those who win twice to reach the last 16, with a step-change in each subsequent round, up to 2,000 for the champion. 

Jarvis said: “It’s my first time in the main draw, so it’s a big chance to try to win a couple of matches and get a lot of ranking points to move up the list. 

“I’m not too far off the top 50 now – that’s the next goal and a couple of wins could get me there.” 

Also competing in Singapore is Wales’ Anna Hursey and the team GB youngster, currently ranked No 43, is also straight into the main draw.  

Both will have to wait to discover their opponents as there are qualifying rounds to be played first – the main draw gets under way on Sunday 22 (February). 

Follow the competition on the WTT YouTube channel.