World Junior Championships 2024

1

From August 20 to 23, the Bordeaux Jeu de Paume Club had the honour of hosting the world's 16 best under-18 players for the third edition of the Junior World Championships. For the first time outside of England, this high-level competition offered an exceptional showcase for the sport, while marking a new chapter in the history of the Bordeaux club, which only opened in 2020.

The Context: A Tournament Like No Other

With the participation of 16 young talents, including four French, one Australian and an army of eleven British players, the tournament promised to be a very high-level competition. This edition was special, not only because it was held for the first time outside England, but also because each player had the opportunity to play at least four matches. Indeed, all rankings were played, thus guaranteeing maximum playing time, and giving everyone a chance to progress over the course of the matches. The idea was that each player, once back home, at school, at university or at the club, could proudly say: "I finished Xth at the World Junior Championships!"

First Days: Matches That Set the Tone

The tone was set right from the first match: a three-set clash between Archie Watson (Oratory, UK) and Archie Campbell (Bristol, UK), won by Watson 6/4, 2/6, 6/2. This duel immediately captured the attention of the public and launched the tournament in the best possible way.

The evenings were just as lively, especially during the prime time match of Théo Besnard (Holyport, FR) who put in a great performance by eliminating Oscar Newall in the first round. The tournament was also marked by moments of high intensity, such as during the quarter-final where Joseph Bradley (Oratory, UK) almost created a surprise by pushing the world number 1, Maximus Warner (Queen's, UK), to his limits (6/4, 4/6, 6/5).

Key Moments: Semi-finals and Final

The semi-finals lived up to expectations. Max Warner, despite a tough 6/1, 6/0 scoreline against Sebastian Edwards (Wellington, UK), had to work hard to gain the upper hand in some very hard-fought exchanges. At the other end of the draw, Laszlo Garson (Radley, UK) delivered a superb performance, beating Algernon Nottingham (Holyport, UK) 6/3, 0/6, 6/3. This match was one of the most thrilling of the tournament, with twists and turns and incredible intensity.

The final, however, lived up to expectations. Maximus Warner, a left-handed prodigy aged just 13, faced an equally talented Laszlo Garson. Despite a final score of 6/3, 6/3 in favour of Warner, each game was fiercely contested, often decided by a draw. The spectators witnessed a true duel of titans, testifying to the bright future that awaits these two young champions.

The Podium: The Emergence of Young Talents

• 1st – Max Warner 🥇 : A left-hander of only 13 years old, who dominated the tournament from start to finish. His victory promises an exceptional career.
• 2nd – Laszlo Garson 🥈 : At 14, Garson showed solid play, impressive footwork, and remarkably pure ball striking.
• 3rd – Algernon Nottingham 🥉 : Aged 15, Nottingham dazzled with his touch and elegant play. 

England can look forward to the promising future of these young talents.

The French: Brilliant and Courageous

Our French players also made their mark on the tournament. Théo Besnard, initially ranked 11th, managed the feat of finishing in an impressive 6th place, demonstrating constant progression and unwavering determination. Paul Saussier and Wandé Blanchot, despite a difficult competition, finished 15th and 16th respectively, but their fighting spirit and exemplary spirit were praised by all. This tournament gave them invaluable experience against the best young players in the world.

A huge thank you to the organisers, top markers (Baudouin Huynh Lenhardt and Nat Cherry), volunteers, and partners/sponsors who made this event a resounding success. Their dedication has helped position Bordeaux as a strong presence on the international stage.