Loveridge shines in Portugal Open

ALICE LOVERIDGE wrapped up a very successful 2008 with a strong performance at the 16th Portuguese Youth Open championships in Tavira.

The 14-year-old Grammar School student reached the quarter-finals of the singles competition and helped England put up a good show in the team event.

'I was really pleased – it went well,' said Loveridge (pictured). Originally scheduled to play only in the singles competition, illness to one of the English girls allowed Loveridge to represent England in the team event as well.

England were drawn against Romania, Wales and Portugal C and enjoyed comfortable 3-0 wins over the Welsh and the Portuguese.

However, Romania were much tougher proposition and, despite the English girls playing well, they narrowly lost 3-2.

This resulted in them finishing second in their group and playing off for position seven to 12.