Peter Bartram took out three higher ranked players before losing in the final of the Veterans Midlands Masters tournament in Stoke.

Bartram, from Worthing, beat England No.6 Ryan Johns, No.9 Keith Williams and No.13 John Rankin before losing 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-3 against former European senior champion John Hilton.

Bartram's run is expected to improve his No.15 ranking.

Sheila King (Hastings), No.13 on the England list, was defeated in the second round of the women's singles by eventual winner Brenda Buoey from Lancashire.

Sussex seconds play their annual fixture against the Isle of Wight on Saturday in division one of the County Championships at Broadbridge Heath.

The island team includes former England champion Carl Prean, who lives in Germany and plays in the top division of the Bundesliga but commutes home to play for his side.

The closing date for the Sussex Grand Prix Open Championships at Christ's Hospital, Horsham is October 25. The tournament is scheduled for November 9 to 10.