A YOUNG tennis player from Carlton, near Stockton, has served notice she could be a future Wimbledon star by winning a national title.

Twelve-year-old Abi Curry, who is a member of the Tennis World club in Middlesbrough, won the 12 and under national title in a tournament held at Queenswood, Hatfield last weekend.

She held her nerve to defeat Heather Watson in the final, winning a third set tie-break 10-4 after the first two sets had been shared.

The very best young players from around the country were in action in the competition and Abi's success is the first individual national title won by a Tennis World player since the club opened in 1986.

It confirms the club's status as one of the best in the country for talent development.

Coaches Nigel Garton and Mark Franklin deserve full credit for helping to guide Abi's growing talent and the victory will provide an important boost to her confidence.

Abi's delighted mother, Barbara, said: "This is simply fantastic. I am so proud to say that my daughter is a national champion.

"She has worked so hard over the past few years and continued to listen to Nigel and Mark, while also competing around the country to get the invaluable experience needed to be the very best player she can be.

"Let's hope that this is a sign of things to come!"

Abi won the title with the following results. - First round: beat Emily Egen-Morris 6-2, 6-2; second round: beat Lottie Fox 6-2, 6-1; semi-final: beat Georgia Archer-Clowes 6-4, 6-4; final: beat Heather Watson 6-3, 3-6, tie-break third set 10-4.

Abi is one of two junior players from Tennis World who are all set to play for their country in international tournaments this week.

She represents Great Britain in an under-12 international in Aruges, Belgium from Monday to Sunday, July 4, while 14-year-old Sophie Proctor of Marton, Middlesbrough has been selected to play in the European Summer Cup for Great Britain in Belarus from Sunday to Tuesday.