RYAN Peniston battled past fellow Brit Jack Draper in a thrilling second round contest at the Surbiton Trophy.

Peniston, who is based in Great Wakering, prevailed 6-7(9) 7-5 6-4 to reach the last eight.

The 26-year-old rebounded from missing set points in the opening set and then came from 4-2 down in the decider to beat Draper, who is 89 spots above him in the ATP rankings and was struggling physically towards the end of the contest.

Peniston said: “It was a tough battle from the start to the finish, and it’s a shame Jack got some cramps in the end, but I thought the level was really good and he was fighting all the way. It was a good battle.

“I’m pleased with just getting over the line, really.

"It was a tough situation at the end because of Jack’s physical issues, but credit to him – he was still fighting hard.

"Just to get over the line and keep my head on my shoulders, it was a good effort I thought.

“It was a tough one.

"I was up in that first set pretty much the whole time and then had a little slip, and got to the breaker.

“It was very tight as well, and I had a set point, then he got it. I was pleased with how I regrouped at the end of the second set.”

Victory over Draper follows a significant win for Peniston in the first round, where he beat former top 25 player and second seed Adrian Mannarino, also from a set down.

Having entered the main draw as a wildcard, he now faces qualifier Otto Virtanen for a place in the semi-final on Friday.

Virtanen beat another Brit in the form of Paul Jubb in the second round, and Peniston is relishing the chance to face him himself.

He added: “I know a little bit about him. I’ve seen him play quite a bit and I played him once before. I’m looking forward to it.

"“He’s a good player, so hopefully it will be a good match.”

>For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA Website