The high flyers in orange ball are stepping up this summer.

The winner of the Flybe Mini Master Finals Freddie Stone of Penzance, runner up Oscar Pringle and winner of the leaderboard Exeter’s Jake Upsher are now playing on a green ball so these players have a bigger court to play in and more ground to cover.

They all participated in a Mini Master Class with Lucie Ahl. A previous GB no 1, player at Wimbledon, world commentator and coach to British Women Players Melanie South, Katie O’Brian.

Lucie took these keen, impressive players for a 3hr coaching session.

Lucie Ahl: “I really couldn’t have asked for more from the players that came to the Flybe Master Class sessions I took. They all had great attitudes and worked really hard. The continued support of Flybe is so worthwhile because it not only gives some of the best players in Devon and Cornwall the opportunity to practice together but me the chance to pass on some of the experiences I’ve had as a player.”

The players really enjoyed their session, Jake Upsher from Feniton nr Honiton had, only the day before, won the Exeter Easter Tournament and was in great form. Freddie Stone from Penzance Tennis Club, returning from National Talent, in London after meeting Greg Rusedski and Andy Murray, was on a high and willing to learn everything Lucie was saying.

Oscar Pringle from Truro is looking forward to the next season in Green ball and will compete across the county and region during the summer, lookingto get a final position on the flybe leaderboard this summer.

Player profile: Jake Upsher, age 9, is coached by Simon Huddart and Charlotte Wallaceat Exeter. His favourite player isAndy Murray.

Jake, who lives in Feniton, goes to the local primary school,and has been playing competitive tennis since April 2009

He said:“I love playing in tournaments as the build up is so thrilling,” said Jake. “I would love to play at Wimbledon one day!”

He rated his best achievement as getting to the finals of the Flybe Mini Masters at Ivybridge last summer. He recently got to the final of a grade 4 county tournament in Plymouth.

His favourite Flybe tournaments are in Barnstaple, which he won in September and at nearby Sidmouth Tennis Club.