Redbridge’s Richie Fallows came agonisingly close to making the main draw at his first World Championships in Manchester.

Fallows who is regarded as one of English squash’s bright hopes, lost in five games to compatriot Jaymie Haycocks on Sunday in the final round of qualifying.

Fallows fought back superbly after losing the opening two games before Haycocks won 11-8, 11-7, 4-11, 7-11, 11-5.

On Saturday, the 17-year-old beat Brazilian Raphael Alarcon in another five-game tussle in the first qualifying round and the Londoner admitted that he will take away a wealth of experience from both matches.

He said: “I didn’t really expect to win my first match. And it would have been great to get to the first round but it wasn’t to be. It’s been a great experience for me though.”

Against Alarcon, Fallows endured a physically-brutal encounter as his 36-year-old opponent attempted all the tricks in the book, including barging and arguing with the referees.

“It was an interesting experience,” added Fallows. “It was quite controversial and he was a tough player to beat.

“I knew it was his last ever match so it made it a bit tougher for me. It was scrappy but these are the games that make you are a better player.

“Everyone I play on the tour at the moment know I am still a junior so they think they get to me.

“I don’t let it happen as I am pretty good at it myself. It doesn’t really faze me.”