TEAM 2012: Drinkhall determined to crack world's top 100 again

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

 PAUL Drinkhall insists it is high time he started taking his chances as he bids to break back into the world's top 100 before the year is out.

TIME TO DELIVER: Paul Drinkhall acknowledges he must start building momentum in his quest to reach London 2012 (Getty Images)

The 20-year-old reached a career-high 90th back in March, but he has since dropped to 161st following a string of below-par performances, including May's World Team Championships in Moscow.

Drinkhall won six but lost five in Russia as England finished 38th overall, but he will have the chance to redeem himself with a busy next three months scheduled.

The British number one will travel to the Czech Republic in September for the European Championships and then off to India less than a month later for the Commonwealth Games.

And having dropped to his lowest world ranking since October 2008, Drinkhall has vowed not to let opportunities pass him by at the Europeans and Commonwealths.

"I have always known that I have what it takes to be in the top 100, but it took so long to actually do it and it seemed so hard," said Drinkhall.

"When I was younger, I broke from 300 to 150 really quickly. It just takes a few decent wins, but to break into the top 100 you have to beat some top, top players.

"I've had so many matches which would've put me top 50 - I've had match points against some really good players but obviously I haven't done that yet.

"I'm back out of the top 100 again now, but it was actually a good season until the end. I didn't really perform to my best at the World Team Championships and lost a couple of matches I shouldn't have.

"But I know that the level is there. It's just something missing - maybe experience.

"But going to the Europeans and the Commonwealths should really help that."