Three of Europe’s top junior men’s singles players are currently on the edge of breaking into the BWF Junior Rankings top 10.
Sat in 11th place is 17-year-old Arnaud Merkle of France.
He most recently came first in the Romanian Junior scoring 2,000 points. In his three most recent tournaments Merkle has finished first, second and fifth. His second place victory counting towards points.
Merkle is currently 185 points off of breaking into the top 10.
Preparing for big championships
When asked about how he felt the Romanian Junior went for him, he said:
“It was for points for the Youth Olympic Games, so the victory was perfect for me, I played good badminton.”
Merkle is now working hard and focusing on his upcoming goals and said:
“I am preparing hard for the World Championships and I hope it will work, then I will prepare for the European Championships and try to make my game better.”
Jan Louda and Cristian Savin
Sat two places behind Merkle in 13th place is 18-year-old Jan Louda from the Czech Republic.
Closely followed by 17-year-old Cristian Savin from Moldova. Who sits in 14th. Just 53 points separate the two.
Louda’s most recent three results have been 17th, fifth and 17th. None of the points from his past eight tournaments have counted towards his ranking.
Meanwhile Savin last three results have seen him come in 17th, fifth and ninth. With only his ninth-place points counting towards his ranking.
Go to BWF's Junior World Ranking by clicking
here.