Racketlon star beats world number five

Racketlon star Oliver Oxland was ‘over the moon’ after defeating one of the world’s top 10 players to finish second at the Essex Open.

The sport has a niche, but very dedicated, following and has been especially popular in Scandinavia where it was first recognised in the mid 1980s.

It involves competitors playing against each other in table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis, with the winner determined by who scores the most points over the course of the four sets.

Playing in category A, Oxland knew he would be up against tough opponents, including some of the world’s best, but he gave an excellent display before narrowly losing in the final to world number five Kresten Hougaard.

“It was a fantastic time for me, a good tournament and I played a good game from the start. I have no complaints,” said Oxland.

“I beat the world number seven Duncan Stahl, but lost to world number five Kresten Hougaard in the final.

“This was my first time beating someone in the top 10 in the world, so I’m over the moon.”

The 29-year-old Oxland had finished in fourth place at last year’s tournament and now, after finishing as runner-up this year, he is already hoping for an even better result next year.

“Absolutely. First is the only option for next year,” he added. “I’ve lost in the final three times and this year I’ve never come closer to winning it. Certainly my aim next year is to win, nothing else.”

Oxland noted some particular improvements in his play at the Essex Open at Redbridge Sports Centre, which helped him push his way into the final.

He said: “I’ve been working very hard and my squash game has become better. Last year squash was my weakest game.

“I’ve also lost 13 or 14 pounds in weight, so I’m a lot fitter this year. Also I’m better mentally, in a better place and more focused on my game.”

Having attended St Joseph’s Primary School in Upminster and Campion in Hornchurch, before graduating from the University of Essex, Oxland is proud to be captaining the Essex team at the County Championships at Welwyn Garden City on Sunday.

He said: “It should be good. This is my second time being Essex captain. We have a strong side and I hope to win the championships.

“We have Nottingham in the first round and if we beat them we will play Middlesex in the semi-finals which will be a very tough game.

“But I know if we all play our best we can win. Yorkshire or Surrey will be in the final. If we do get there, they are the kind of matches we have the potential to win.”