Lapthorne sends Britain into World Team Cup final

Eastcote’s Andy Lapthorne sealed Great Britain’s place in the final of the World Team Cup quad doubles on Thursday as he chases another title.

Lapthorne, who was part of the GB teams that won in both 2009 and 2014, won the second singles rubber against Mitsuteru Moroishi 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 to give his country victory over host nation Japan.

He, Jamie Burdekin, and Antony Cotterill will now meet Australia in Friday’s final.

“It’s always nice to get through to the final with two singles wins and not have to play a deciding doubles,” said Lapthorne.

“Hopefully Jamie can put us 1-0 up in the final and I can go out and have a really good shot at Dylan [Alcott], who is world number one, and wrap it up before the doubles.

“This match has been brewing for a while, there’s a bit of spice between the two sides and I’m sure we want to win more than them so hopefully that’ll see us to victory.”

Meanwhile, Ickenham’s Marc McCarroll will feature in the bronze medal play-off in the men’s event after Great Britain lost to Japan in their semi-final.

After dropping the opening singles rubber to world number nine Takashi Sanada, McCarroll said: “I’m a bit disappointed – it was my first match since I’ve been back from injury where I’ve been down in the match.

“I had chances in the first set and that’s the moment where real match sharpness shows but I got a little bit tight.

“I’m really pleased to be back playing though and hopefully we can finish the week off on a high with a bronze.”