ACTON’S Takuma Imanaga was given a tennis masterclass from three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker as his bid to become a Barclays Ball Kid entered its final stage.

The 16-year-old Japanese School of London pupil was one of 130 youngsters to be given expert tuition from Becker at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trials at Westway Sports Centre in London.

Up for grabs for Takuma is the prize of starring alongside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and British No.1 Andy Murray at the O2 Arena, as one of 30 ball kids for the ATP World Tour Finals in November.

Takuma also demonstrated his talent in front of Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey and admitted it would be a dream come true to rub shoulders with the likes of Federer and Nadal.

“I only came to the UK last year so this is a great chance for me to meet new people and make new friends while also going to a tournament that I love,” said Imanaga, who beat off competition from 2500 other hopefuls to get this far.

“Rafael Nadal is my hero in tennis so the chance to see him in person would be amazing - I love his style and the way that he never gives up.

“The tournament is such a big occasion but I would love to be ball boy, I don’t think I would get too nervous as I would just be so happy to be there.”

The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began last November and Imanaga – who plays tennis six times a week and has a national rating of 6.1 – has been a ball boy before in Japan.

And Becker, who along with Petchey will select the winners, believes the lucky 30 are in for a treat they will never forget if they reach the O2.

“It is a very tough decision to pick the final squad and it certainly isn’t easy for us because everybody is very good,” said Becker.

“It isn’t just the physical ability you need to do the job but also the mental ability too because it is an amazing tournament and Takuma has made it this far because he has shown that.

“I have been very impressed with what I have seen and I couldn’t believe the standard last year but this year it seems even better, kids like Takuma have been amazing.”

For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com