ETHAN Rose is aiming high as he embarks on a gruelling schedule of tournaments across the continent over the next month.

The 17-year-old is set to play back-to-back junior and senior events in Italy, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic, starting with the U19 Italian International Junior Challenger in Milan next weekend.

Rose, from Oakley, won three Under 19 international championships at the end of last year and last month became the first English male singles player to be ranked in the top eight of the Under 19 BWF World Junior Rankings.

The teenager hopes that will give him an edge as he prepares to face an array of opponents over the next few weeks.

He said: “I’ll be able to build on that this year as it gives you confidence going into the senior competitions.

“But then you have to start proving yourself again.”

Rose added: “There’s obviously a massive contrast in what’s expected of me.

“I’m the second seed in Italy so the hope is to win it, but Slovakia is a senior competition and I’m not even seeded.”

The youngster also won the Under 17 French International Championships and bagged a bronze medal at the Under 17 European Championships in a stellar 2019.

But he has become used to facing far older opponents, having entered his first senior tournament aged 14.

Rose is already sixth in England and 420th in the world in the senior rankings, while he tops the country’s Under 19 charts.

The former Oxfordshire player believes entering more senior events this year will prove invaluable as he targets a place in the top 200.

He said: “You pick up more experience playing the senior players.

“In the middle of the match you might have to change your tactics or style – you have to think on your feet.”

Medals at this year’s Under 19 world and junior championships are another target, while the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and 2024 Paris Olympics are also on Rose’s radar.

He said: “I’ve had the Olympics in my mind for a couple of years.

“I’ve obviously got goals along the way, but when you’re starting your first thought is that you want to be at the Olympic Games.

“Hopefully 2024 will be the year I do that.”