World No 855 Alex Ward qualifies for Wimbledon with shock win

Britain's Alex Ward has secured a shock Wimbledon berth but Marcus Willis saw his dreams of a return to Centre Court dashed.

Ward, ranked 855 in the world, caused a major upset by beating Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvili, a player ranked 679 places higher, to secure his place in the main draw.

But Willis, who lost to seven-time champion Roger Federer in the second round last year after a fairytale run, fell at the final hurdle, beaten 6-4 6-1 7-6 (4) by Illya Marchenko of Ukraine.

Willis, ranked 374 in the world, came through six quallifiers last year, and had already accounted for world number 148
Andrej Martin and fellow Brit Liam Broady this week at Roehampton.

However, struggling with a knee injury after an awkward fall, he found world number 117 Marchenko a step too far, although he fought valiantly in the final set.

With Derbyshire teenager Jay Clarke and Hemel Hempstead's Katy Dunne also bowing out in Roehampton, it was left to Ward to keep the British flag flying.

The 27-year-old from Northampton has suffered with injures of late, but came through a big-hitting contest with Gabashvili 6-7 (3) 6-4 7-6 (6) 6-1 to claim a coveted Wimbledon spot.

The win was all the more remarkable as Ward had lost in pre-qualifying last week, only to receive a wildcard to compete in the main qualifiers.

"I've never won a match in qualifying, before this I had lost four times," said Ward, whose only previous Wimbledon appearance was a loss to David Goffin in round one last year - again following a wildcard invitation.

"It just feels amazing, pretty unbelievable. I didn't even get through pre-qualifying.

"I thought that was it, but they found two more wildcard spots and gave me one, so it really is unbelievable.

"I played Wimbledon last year but since then I had six months off with a problem with the tendons in my wrist. It was pretty serious but in the end I had an injection and calmed it down.

"I came back at the end of January, but since then I've been on a six or seven-match losing streak.

"I came here and just got better and better, and something has just clicked. It's come together for the best tournament."

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