Guernsey's Chris Simpson ready to push to next level

Guernsey's Chris Simpson says a place in the top 16 is within reach if he can start turning narrow defeats into wins.

Simpson reached a career-high of 21 in the world rankings this season and said his aim was now to keep progressing.

"I've started to challenge the top guys consistently - not necessarily beating the top 10 guys but giving them close 3-2 games," he told BBC Guernsey.

"My goal for next season is to try to turn some of those into wins and push my ranking up to top 16 in the world."

The 26-year-old said his ambitious target was achievable if he could maintain the upwards curve of his last 12 months.

"I definitely think it's possible. I wouldn't want to set a goal that I didn't think I could achieve," he said.

"I think I've shown this year that it's only a small difference between myself and the top guys so if I keep working hard and making small changes then it's definitely something I can do within a year."

Simpson rounded off an impressive 2013 by finishing as runner-up to Adrian Grant at the London Open, losing 7-11 11-9 11-4 11-6 at Cumberland Lawn Tennis Club.

"It was a bit of a game of two halves - the first game-and-a-half I played some of my best squash and was really in control. but then it all changed very quickly in the second game," he added.

"It was a real battle and he snuck it but in the next two games he completely outplayed me.

"I was on the back foot and his length was better than mine and he deserved to win so I think that second game that was crucial.

"I'd have loved to have won it obviously but I exceeded my seeding and finished the season on a high."