In a fantastic see saw match in the Women’s Under 21 Qualification groups England number 4 Hannah Hicks and (world ranked 564) drew on all her mental reserves to beat Hana Matelova of the Czech Republic (world ranked 334) by three games to two which guaranteed her qualification into the main draw. What was truly incredible about this result was that the England star had suffered a 0-4 defeat only the previous day against the same player in the Women’s Open event.

Hannah chopped and chiselled her way to a fantastic victory with the crowd applauding her every winning point in this gruelling five set match. Hannah said following this epic win “ Yes,I lost to her yesterday but it was all in close sets. I learned from what my coach said in my post match talk with Cookie and this time played tactically better and was really up for it”

Hannah’s brilliant victory puts her into the main Under 21 Women’s draw which will be made at 7pm.

By Geoff Ware