TENNIS

Mathematical teen Mimi Xu confirmed yet again that she knows how to nail the right formula on a tennis court as she produced one of the shocks of the week at Junior Wimbledon.

The 15-year-old from Swansea sprang a surprise by knocking out sixth-seed Kaitlin Quevedo in the girls’ singles.

Xu, who is based at the LTA’s National Academy in Loughborough and completed her GCSEs this summer, downed her highly-rated American opponent in straight sets at the All England Club.

She had previously accounted for Romania’s Cara Maria Mester.

Her run came to an end when she came unstuck 6-3 6-2 against the Czech Republic’s Nikola Bartunkova.

Nonetheless, it was a fine effort from the multi-talented youngster who is an avid musician, boasting grades seven and five in piano and violin, and cites Maths as her favourite subject at school.

Another Welsh talent, Viktor Frydrych, from Colwyn Bay, was also in action at SW19.

He defeated Australian Charles Camus 7-5, 7-6 in the boys’ singles before bowing out over three sets to American Darwin Blanch.

 

ATHLETICS

Sabrina Fortune earned reward for determination and perseverance by striking gold at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris.

The Welsh shot putter had been bitterly disappointed to finish fifth at the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021.

But the 26-year-old retained her F20 world title with a superb performance in the French capital, setting a new championship record with a winning throw of 14.01m.

Afterwards, the jubilant north Walian told the BBC: “It has been hell since Tokyo to get back, but no matter how hard it gets, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and this gold medal is special.

“I struggle in hot conditions but we have worked hard and done it correctly this year. Even though it has been hot out here, I have an ice towel and an ice vest [so I have] been able to cool down and relax and that worked.”

She described the triumph as an “incredible” experience.

There was joy for Hollie Arnold, too, after she claimed her fifth consecutive F46 javelin title at the championships.

The 29-year-old, who has represented Wales in the Commonwealth Games, produced her golden throw of 41.06m in the fourth round.

Like Fortune, she had been underwhelmed by her effort at the Tokyo Paralympics, when she returned home with a bronze.

But her latest show amounted to a wonderful return to her form.

“I was heartbroken after Tokyo but that just ignited the fire within me,” she said.

“Coming here to retain my title and throw the furthest I have since 2019, I am so happy.”

Arnold, who was born without a right forearm, hails from England but moved to Wales at a young age.

Her previous golds were won in Lyon in 2013, Doha (2015), London (2017) and Dubai (2019).

 

DARTS

Another sportsperson with an exceptional ability to throw is in action this weekend, in the shape of Welshman Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay darts in Blackpool.

The Iceman, as the former world champion is known, will be a major contender in the event at the Winter Gardens.

He has already captured two Euro Tour titles in 2023 and was in the final of the Premier League Darts.

Llanelli’s Jonny Clayton is also expected to mount a strong challenge.