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03/08/2004
Simpson to Captain England in Islamabad
Chris Simpson has been appointed England Captain for the World Juniors, and believes he can lead the team to victory ...
simpson england
Simpson can lead England to
glory
by Mike Donovan,
the Sussex Argus
 Chris Simpson
has been appointed England captain for the World Junior Championships,
and believes he can lead his country to glory in Pakistan next month.
He said: "It is a great honour. I'm proud to get the job. It was a bit
of a surprise to be named as skipper because I'll be one of the
youngest players there. We've got one of the best teams in the world.
We are European champions and I expect us to do well.
"A good captain can make the difference between a gold and silver medal
and I feel I can do that. I've got good leadership qualities, organise
the guys and spur them on."
The Brighton college pupil, 17, also believes he can mark his debut at
the event by winning the individual singles crown. He said: "There are
about ten players capable of winning it including myself and it depends
on who peaks.
"I'm only seeded five to eight but I've seen my draw and that convinces
me I have a real chance to win it. I am in the easiest half of the draw
and if I reach the final I would be a lot fresher than whoever gets
through to play me."
The British under-17s champion is in form, having won the Dutch Junior
Open in Amsterdam. He also won a bronze medal in the individuals at the
European Championships in April and was part of the winning team.
He said: "I am happy with the way my year has gone so far. Even though
it is my debut and I'll be one of the youngest players at the worlds, I
remain confident."
The only blip Simpson can spot on the horizon concerns illness.
"Sporting teams have complained about becoming ill on tour in Pakistan.
We can't take food with us because of restrictions on the weight of our
luggage.
"So we've got to be very careful what we eat. We will probably survive
on pasta."
 Simpson
revealed there have been security concerns about the tournament in
Islamabad.
"A few countries have not sent a team or are only sending a couple of
players. But it won't affect the quality of the competition because all
the main countries are sending their strongest players."
Simpson, with team-mates Richards (Surrey), James Wright
(Leicestershire) and Joel Hinds (Derbyshire), started three days of
intensive training at Corals this week.
England manager Mike Harris, who is based at the Hove club, said: "It
will be a useful exercise. We are getting world-class players like Ben
Garner, from Sussex, and Phil and Peter Barker, in to help raise their
game."
Original story from the Argus
World Junior
Championships
Sussex Argus
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