Bloomfield misses out in Challenger

Norfolk professional Richard Bloomfield's attempt to qualify for a €42,500 Challenger event at Loughborough, was thwarted in the final qualifying round by fellow Brit Dan Cox.

Bloomfield, seeded seventh in qualifying, led by a set but was unable to convert his advantage and eventually fell 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 to the British number 11.

A recent run of encouraging form may have made the Norfolk man a slight favourite despite being ranked over 150 places below his opponent. But Cox, seven years Bloomfield's junior, showed impressive character to reverse the momentum from the first set.

To reach the final qualifying round, the 28-year-old from Alpington overcame compatriots Marshall Tutu from Essex and Marcus Willis from Berkshire.

Tutu came close in the first set of their opening round encounter but the more experienced Bloomfield stamped his authority on the second set and closed out the match 7-5, 6-1. The second round clash with Willis saw Bloomfield ease to a 6-4, 6-3 victory before the clash with Cox.

The tournament could be Bloomfield's last of the season before he travels with the Norfolk Men's team to Bolton for Winter County Cup at the end of this month.