Tennis: Lisa's Loughborough trip is profitable

In the main draw, a close win against Middlesex’s Danielle Daley by 7-5, 6-2 ensured she was through to the next round.

Phillips, from Felpham, was pitched against second seed Dominque Covington. The 20-year-old has an incredible amount of experience in international events and a fantastic 2.1 rating to match.

The clash gave Phillips, who is sponsored by Game, Set and Match, the opportunity to go for her shots. She knew any cautious shots would be pounced on and put away by such an experienced player.

Phillips gave Covington a run for her money and managed to keep in the match but lost 6-4, 6-4. Covington went on to win the final.

Progress through the tournament gave Phillips a crucial 1,600 points which was enough to gain selection to the British Tour Masters. This is the third consecutive year Phillips has been invited to play in the masters. Competition is tough and there is likely to be world ranked players in the preliminary rounds.

Nottingham Tennis Centre will play host to the event, one of the national highlights in the tennis calendar for the adult game, played at the end of the year. Selection is based on the winners of the three Premier British Tour events. The remaining 29 players in the draw are those who have accumulated the most points in the British Tour Premier, tier one and tier two events.

See www.lisaphillips.co.uk for tennis coaching or further details of Phillips’ progress.

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