AN ISLE of Wight tennis ace, who has played at grand slam tournaments at Wimbledon, in Australia and in the US Open, has turned his hand to croquet.

Jonathan Smith was ranked the world’s 90th best tennis singles player, and 37th best doubles player, back in 1981.

He has since become the first player at the Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to reach negative handicaps in both association croquet (-½) and golf croquet (-2).

Jonathan puts his success down to constant practice and regular drills.

He is often found at the club early in the morning, while other members are still enjoying breakfast.

“The good news for other members is that they are welcome to play, even though they have neither Jonathan’s talent nor his desire to practise,” said a spokesperson for the club.

“Over the last two weeks, the club has enjoyed three matches against touring teams, drawing twice and losing just once. “

The club’s advantage doubles tournament was won by Jim O’Keeffe and Vernon Gibbs.

Mick Abbott and Phil Poulton finished in second place.

The advantage game – now adopted across the world – gives players with the higher handicaps a few hoops' start.

This version of the game was invented by Roy Tillcock of the Ryde club.