COFFS Harbour tennis player Damian Phillips has headed to France to represent Australia on the court.

Phillips is part of the Australian PWII (persons with intellectual impairment) tennis team who are taking part in this year’s Virtus Global Games in France.

The Virtus Global Games are the world’s largest elite sports event for athletes with an intellectual impairment, and are held every four years with the latest edition to be held on 4-10 June.

Phillips is ranked number six in the Australian II-1 men’s singles category.

He is also a former Australian number 1 for players with an intellectual disability, and has won a national doubles title and a world championship gold medal in mixed doubles.

The Australian tennis team won the tennis tournament the last time the Virtus Global Games were held in 2019 in Brisbane.

Head coach of the Australian tennis team, Alison Scott, said the team was confident of defending their title.

“This year’s team is a big team, and we are really proud of that,” she said.

“We have been world champions since 2015, so we are very confident going overseas.

“The team is very well prepared and well trained, which is brilliant.”

By Aiden BURGESS