Kyle Brassington did not quite manage to spoil top seed Alexander Sadecky’s 24th birthday.

The local favourite was beaten 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 on the indoor courts at the JM Glendinning International Tournament at Ilkley.

Brassington, who is 24 later this month, had his opening singles clash delayed by rain yesterday.

Therefore he did not play Australian-born Englishman Burnham Arlidge until this afternoon, defeating him 6-2, 6-1 before tackling the world No 336 at tea-time.

Brassington, who has been studying sports science management at Leeds Met University, has to mix his time these days between studying, coaching and playing.

He admitted after his clash against the Swiss player: “I didn’t do badly, considering I am a coach.

“He is a big-serving left-hander and I broke him four times during the match but it just came down to the odd point here or there on my serve.”