Ella Pashley and Larry Trumpauskas aim to defend their Under-21 National Cup titles at the weekend, but can expect to be challenged every step of the way.
Last year’s event featured nine players who were fresh from competing at the WTT Star Contender London, including the eventual champions.
This time, there is no major event serving as a launchpad into the National Cup, but there is still plenty of international experience in the respective Women’s and Men’s Open categories.
Pashley is the one competitor who does come in on the heels of a big tournament, having represented England at the European Championships in Slovenia last week.
She is second seed, behind Sophie Earley, who won the inaugural Under-21 National Cup in 2024 but who missed last year. Eva Eccles and Rachael Iles, the respective silver and bronze medallists last year, return again this season.
Trumpauskas, like Pashley, stepped up from bronze in 2024 to win the title last year. And, again like Pashley, he is second seed this time. Isaac Kingham is top of the seedings, with last year’s bronze medallist Max Radiven also in the field.
The competition sees the top 10-ranked, England-eligible, men’s open and women invited and each category will play a full round-robin over the course of two days.
The event will be hosted by Highfields TTC in Wellingborough – download the programme below. Look out for highlights on our YouTube channel next week!
