Hickling was one of a squad of 14 juniors who travelled to Bournemouth at the weekend to compete in the Dorset County Junior Closed championships, with the top six finishers in each age category qualifying to represent Dorset.
Ollie Duquemin was second in the U19s, with brother Ben third and Charles White fourth.
In the U15s Alan Magee was second, George Mcleod was sixth and Connor Hughes 13th while Luke Walker won the U15 Plate competition.
Edward Kane was third in the U13s, Mark Hickling was fifth and Max Tupper finished seventh.
The squad was accompanied by director of squash David Evans, who said he was very pleased with the way the youngsters had performed.
‘Some of them were competing away for the first time, and they were quite nervous.
They were a bit daunted by the thought of playing against UK players, but once they’d played their first game they realised they all had a chance.
Paul Hickling wasn’t keen to come at first – and he won his age-group!’ The top six in each age group will have the opportunity to play in more away fixtures, representing Dorset, with the benefit of playing at a higher level.
Said Evans: ‘I was pleased with them all, especially the under 11s and 13s, who showed they have very good potential.
The older ones did well too, though they have competed at this level before.’
