Bethany's on the ball

Tennis-lover in line to appear at ATP World Tour finals alongside the sport's top names

BOXFORD'S Bethany Hull is set to play a starring role alongside British number one Andy Murray at the ATP World Tour Finals after winning the Barclays Ball Kids National Trial.

The 15-year-old St Helens and St Katharine School pupil fought off competition from 129 others at the Westway Sports Centre in west London to be named as one of 30 Barclays Ball Kids for the showpiece end of season event in November.

She was tested on agility, endurance, ball skills, balance, speed and team work in London by three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker and Murray's former coach Mark Petchey.

And the Greenacre Tennis Club member admitted she would be counting down the days until she gets to share the court with Murray as well as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“I got to the final round last year but wasn't selected to be a ball girl at the event so I'm really looking to this year,” said Hull, who beat off competition from 2,500 other hopefuls to get this far.

“I watched it going on at the O2 on TV last year and felt like that could have been me up there so I can't wait to be up so close to the world's eight best players.

“Of course I will be nervous but most of that will just be excitement and once I get out on the court it will be a great moment, a real once in a lifetime opportunity.”

For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com