Bay star Ashley is a Wimbledon winner!

By cclarke

TORQUAY favourite Ashley Hewitt (above) caused a big upset in the boys' singles at Wimbledon when he beat second seed Liang-Chi Huang 6-4, 7-5 in the first round, writes Tony Atkins.

The former Torquay Boys' Grammar School pupil, now at the LTA Bath Academy, was far more assured than his opponent from Chinese Taipei and it took him just over an hour to book a place in the second round.

Despite being out-aced (3-6) by his rival, the 17-year-old wildcard recipient and former Devon junior champion was the only British winner to crown a wonderful debut in the Championships.

In the second round, Hewitt will play either Harry Fowler (USA) or qualifier Emanuele Molina of Italy.

Hewitt's doubles partner Richard Gabb (Somerset) and former National Road to Wimbledon 14 and under Challenge champion James Marsalek from Taunton have yet to play their opening singles matches.

But Hewitt, at least, flew the flag on a day when there were defeats for fellow Brits Jack Carpenter, Lewis Burton and George Morgan.