FORMER British tennis No 1, Lizzie Jelfs from Banbury, goes into today's National Championships at Telford approaching her best form.

Jelfs overcame top seeded Scot, Nicola Payne, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to win her first final of the year at the Girobank Tour in Sheffield at the weekend, and plays her first match in the Nationals today.

The full-time student at Loughborough University, who collected a cheque for £300 after four-match wins, all against full-time players, said afterwards: "I'm pleased because I haven't played that much recently.

"I started off a bit dodgily, almost losing on the first day, but as the week went on, I got better and better. I lost to Nicola Payne last time and she's been doing quite well, so I was pleased to beat her.

"I hadn't played at that level for a while although I've played a couple of university matches, but the standard's so much better on the Girobanks." As far as the Nationals go, Jelfs' emphasis is on enjoyment: "I want to go and enjoy it and use it almost as a break from University, but I certainly don't want to embarrass myself," she added.

"I don't have any great expectations and it will be nice to be able to be relaxed while I'm playing."

Claire Taylor, from Banbury, is also in action at Telford.

ABINGDON'S Tom Greenland reached the first round of the men's singles after beating D Ward of Essex 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 in yesterday's qualifier.

Story date: Tuesday 09 November

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