England juniors claim World Team silver for first time in 16 years

England claimed silver at the WSF Men's World Junior Team Squash Championship in India today for the first time since 2002.

The four-man squad consisting of Nick Wall, Sam Todd, James Wyatt and Jared Carter cruised through the six-day event in Chennai, making quick work of the USA in the semis and ensuring the nation's first final in 16 years.

The four-time champions set up a final showdown with Egypt - a squad comprising of all four medalists from last week's individual event.

The team's top strings took to the all-glass showcourt at the Express Avenue Mall where Sheffield’s Nick Wall faced Marwan Tarek, the 2017 individual champion from Cairo.

Wall forced a tie-break in the opening game but Tarek took the opener, then the next two comfortably to claim the 12-10, 11-6, 11-7 win in 45 minutes which put Egypt in the driving seat.

In the second match between the third strings, Sam Todd - also from Yorkshire, but aged just 15 - threatened to give England a lifeline as he matched Egyptian Omar El Torkey all the way in the opening game, earning game balls at 10-9 and 11-10.

Egypt's bronze medalist held his nerve, however, to take the lead - and the next two games to hand Egypt the title 13-11, 11-4, 11-4 after a further 32 minutes.

Lee Drew, National Junior Coach said:

“It’s a great achievement to be runner up at a World Championship, especially given the last time it was achieved by an English team was back in 2002.

“Chris and I are very proud with the way the squad has performed this week. Conditions have been tough, with many good and competitive teams. The boys have been very relaxed but also very professional in their approach to the matches.”

England enjoyed further success in the Individual Championships where Suffolk’s Lucy Turmel, the current Under 19 champion claimed bronze.