TOM Pocock hopes it will be third time lucky when he bids for his first main draw spot on the $15,000 LTA Satellite circuit event at the David Lloyd Club in Eastbourne on Monday.

The 16-year-old British junior international from Ferring has failed twice in his previous attempts on the senior circuit which is the first rung to the ATP Tour.

Pocock, an LTA squad member, is looking for a boost as he goes full-time in 11 weeks.

The Angmering pupil, who is quitting school after his GCSEs, said:"I've lost in the first and second rounds at previous satellites before so perhaps it will be a case of third time lucky. I'd love to get to my first ever main draw.

"It would certainly give me a bit of confidence because this is a big year for me."

Pocock, who looks like Tim Henman and is signed to Greg Rudeski's agency, has made a big name for himself as a junior.

He rose to No.7 in Europe at under-14s while helping Britain to clinch the continental indoor crown in Italy and reach the national singles final.

Pocock, a European Federation junior champion , has also had a hit with British No.1 Henman on an LTA coaching trip to Florida.

But he knows it is just all just a warm-up in his bid for the big-time.

He has already made a steady start to the year, reaching the semi-finals of the Salk Open, International Tennis Federation junior Group Four event, in Stockholm before winning a doubles event at nearby Vasteras.

Pocock takes a step up in class with a ITF group two event at Bisham from February 9.

He said: "I'm going to mix junior and senior events this year and see how we go. I'll carry on doing ITF and play Futures and Satellites."

Pocock, ranked 219 in the world junior rankings, will step up his fitness regime when he goes full-time.

He said: "I've gone up a bit to about 6ft, but I need to go outwards, to fill out a bit."

The West Worthing club member is coached by his father Jonathan, and is tipped to break through.

LTA spokesperson Chris Shaw said: "Tom is certainly one of our brightest young prospects and has had a reasonable start to the year."

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