Another silver lining for scholar Ben Jones as Team Bath Tennis ace helps GB reach Master’U BNP Paribas final once again
University of Bath sporting scholar Ben Jones helped Great Britain reach the final of the Master’U BNP Paribas – the world’s leading student tennis team tournament – for a third successive year when the 2019 edition took place in Grenoble, France.
The United States took the gold, successfully defending the title they had reclaimed from GB 12 months ago, but it was another impressive week of competition for Chemistry student Jones and his international colleagues.
GB won all of their rubbers in the first round against Italy, progressing 7-0, and lost just one match in their semi-final against Belgium as Jones – supported by a Buchan Jones Sports Scholarship – produced doubles master classes with Dan Little and Ella Taylor.
The final saw Jones edged out 6-3 6-2 by Aleksandar Kovacevic in his men’s singles match as a strong United States team recovered from losing the opening rubber to claim the title but they were made to fight all the way by the British team.
Team Bath Director of Tennis Barry Scollo was once again an on-court captain for GB along with Alastair Higham.
It is the fourth year running that a Team Bath Tennis player has been part of the GB Master’U squad, during which time the country has won one gold, two silver and a bronze.
“It was another big performance from GB students and reaching the final for three years running is special,” said Scollo.
“Ben played a big part across all three days and is a leader in the team. I am very proud of this group of players and the staff. I must thank all the organisers and sponsors BNP Paribas for another fantastic event.”
Click here to find out more about the all-encompassing tennis programme at the University of Bath.
