Helsinki proves good experience for Loveridge

ALICE LOVERIDGE (pictured) has continued her sporting education by competing in the Finlandia Open.

The trip to Helsinki was funded as part of the British Olympic Table Tennis Federation squad development and also in part by local company Cenkos.

It was Loveridge's first taste of a senior European tournament and, representing the Guernsey Table Tennis Association, the 14-year-old teamed up with Welsh senior No. 1 Naomi Owen to compete in the open team event.

In their first match, they beat Norway 3-0. Loveridge won her singles rubber against Marthe Aaesbo 3-2 and she teamed up with Owen to win the doubles for a decisive victory.

There was a strong entry from Russia and in round two the girls came up against Russia Two. Despite some tough games, they lost the match 3-2, ending their interest in the competition.