Alex Qualifies for Inter-Regional Event

Nine year old NETTS member Alexander Bettley approached the Inter Regional Qualification Event in Harlow hoping to “come of age” and qualify for his first major event. The under 11 boys event was his main stage and after his first match it appeared the road ahead would be long with Alex losing 3-0 to the inspired Ethan Eaketts (Herts).

The Essex No. 1 Under 11 bounced back quickly however with 3-0 victories over Keanan Ford (Essex), Danny Emery (Herts) and Thomas Nichol (Beds). Sam Manning (Beds) proved tougher opposition with Bettley losing the first leg 10-12. Alex again showed his mental toughness to take the next three tense sets 12-10, 11-9 and 11-6.

The Culford School pupil then faced a rising star, younger brother James (7 years old). Perhaps expecting an easy game, Alex took his foot of the accelerator and James took full advantage by taking the first set. Alex recovered his focus however to take the match 3-1. Lesson learnt!

The penultimate match saw Alex take on his regular rival Henry Shaw (Suffolk) and he came through this potential banana skin well, taking the match 3-1 to set up a group winner decider with McKenzie Lowe (also Suffolk). Lowe took the first set 11-6 but Bettley hit back to take the second 11-8. With the tension rising Lowe just nipped the third 11-9 but Bettley showed he was not done yet by taking the fourth set 11-9. Alex, however ran out of steam in the final set, giving Lowe the match 11-1 and resulting in a second placed finish, thereby guaranteeing qualification for the Regional Team. Overall, Alex can be proud of his performance, breaking through to the Eastern Region elite for the first time.

Well done Alex