READ School tennis starlet Richard Garcia insists he is hungrier than ever to see his name in lights after failing just short of booking his spot at a prestigious Wimbledon tournament.

The 14-year-old Drax pupil has long been known as one to watch for the future and was at it again as he was in action at the HSBC Road to Wimbledon North Regional Qualifier at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club.

Garcia was playing for a spot at next month’s HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & Under Challenge at the All England Club but couldn’t find a way past eventual winner George Hutchings in the semi-final, losing 6-1, 6-0.

But despite falling short of the famous SW19 this time, Garcia is adamant we haven’t seen the last of him.

“It was very good to come here – I have never been here before and I was hoping to get lucky but there is always next time,” said Garcia.

“This is the first time I have ever played on grass. It is different, very skiddy, but you have got to learn to play on everything. I am definitely going to come back next year, not in the under-14s but 16s hopefully.

“I’m not feeling too bad really. He was a good opponent who played very well. I think I played quite well too – I could have played better on some points but there is always next time.”

The HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14 & under Challenge began in 2002 and is an All England Club junior event initiative supported by the LTA – it has now even expanded into Asia with a pilot scheme run in India with events in Delhi and Mumbai.

It is the largest junior tournament in the UK, involving some 850 clubs, parks and schools with youngsters bidding to reach the national final at the All England Club.

And although Garcia failed to advance former Davis Cup captain and tournament director Paul Hutchins believes he is still one to watch out for in the future.

* The HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge is the UK’s largest national junior grass court tournament and forms part of HSBC’s investment in the stars of the future.