JOHN Hampden Grammar School pupil Sam Wilson became a world champion during the Christmas break.

The 11-year-old was competing in the World Table Tennis Championship in The Netherlands and despite taking on opponents up to 18 years old he was crowned junior hard bat champion.

Table tennis commentator Roger Close said: “Everyone in English table tennis is delighted at Sam’s world title.

“The junior event is open to any boy under 18 and Sam is only 11. His coaches are confident that this world title will be a stepping stone in Sam’s journey to the top of the modern game. He certainly has all the ingredients to succeed.”