Chloe de la Mare and Theo Garton handed first GB call-ups

Great Britain has announced its squads for the upcoming FIP World Cup European qualifier, featuring the debut call-ups of rising talents Chloe de la Mare and Theo Garton. The tournament will take place at the Pádel G24 club in Madrid from September 22-26, where 55 national teams will compete for four coveted spots in the final World Cup draw in Doha.

Great Britain Squad Breakdown

The British teams feature a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging stars, with five players currently ranked within the world’s top 200. The squads are as follows:

Women’s Team: Led by captains Libby Fletcher and Iciar Montes, the roster includes British No. 1 Aimee Gibson (WR 93), Catherine Rose (WR 94), Tia Norton (WR 147), Lisa Phillips (WR 182), Abigail Tordoff (WR 216), Laura Jackson (WR 222), Chloe De La Mare (WR 303), and Victoria Nicholas (WR 550).
Men’s Team: Under the leadership of captains John Leach and Agustin Silingo, the squad features Christian Medina Murphy (WR 155), Louie Harris (WR 257), Alex Loughlan (WR 295), Theo Garton (WR 302), Jamie Lobo (WR 341), Sam Jones (WR 519), Chris Salisbury (WR 538), and Alfonso Patacho (WR 574).

The inclusion of Chloe De La Mare and Theo Garton marks a significant milestone for both players. De La Mare, a 16-year-old from Guernsey, has earned her spot through consistent success on the LTA Padel British Tour and various national junior events, alongside competing in seven FIP circuit tournaments this year. Garton has seen a meteoric rise in the rankings, climbing from 900 to 302 over the last year after relocating to Spain for full-time training. Additionally, the women's squad sees the return of Victoria Nicholas, who is back in the mix following the birth of her son.

Captains emphasize that the team is prioritizing preparation and acclimatization at the Madrid training base. With the competitive standard across Europe rising, the squads are focused on securing one of the two available men’s and two available women’s qualification spots to represent Great Britain at the World Finals in Qatar this November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the new players receiving their first GB call-ups for the FIP World Cup qualifier?

Chloe de la Mare and Theo Garton have received their first call-ups to the Great Britain squad. Both players have earned their spots through significant recent progress, with de la Mare succeeding on the LTA Padel British Tour and Garton rising rapidly in the world rankings.

Where and when is the FIP World Cup European qualifier taking place?

The tournament will be held at the Pádel G24 club in Madrid from September 22-26. The British squads are competing there to secure one of the four available spots in the final World Cup draw in Doha.

How many qualification spots are available for the World Cup finals in Doha?

There are four spots available in total for the final World Cup draw. This includes two qualification spots for the men's teams and two for the women's teams.

Who is returning to the Great Britain women's squad for this tournament?

Victoria Nicholas is returning to the women's team for the FIP World Cup European qualifier. She is back in the squad following the birth of her son.