WINNING a national tournament previously graced by the likes of Sue Barker was "special" for a Falmouth tennis player.

On Saturday, Claire Tresidder triumphed in both the ladies singles and doubles at the Torbay Open, played in Torquay over the course of last week.

In the singles final, the 23-year-old came up against her doubles partner Kendal Brown and had to make it through a tie breaker after they each claimed a set, eventually winning 7-6, 3-6, 10-8.

The competition is one of the most well known on the British tennis circuit and has been played for by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Tim Henman and Andy Murray on the men's side.

Her success on Saturday came just a week after winning the Penzance Senior Open Tournament and Tresidder, who is about to start a career in PE teaching at Truro School, said the victory felt great.

Tresidder said: "When I finally won, it felt so good.

"I've won the Under 21s section there before, so to come and do it on the senior level is fantastic, especially as I've been playing in the tournament since I was ten.

"It is one of those tournaments you really want to win and now that I have, it feels like I have really matured as a player.

"To think that it has been won by players like Barker in the past makes it even more special as my name is on the same trophy now."

During the singles final Brown, who is a member of the host club, had three set points in the first set, but Tresidder fought hard to keep her at bay before winning 7-6.

Brown battled back in the second set to claim it 6-3, setting up a tie break, which is played instead of a third set.

Both players slugged it out, but after a ball hitting the net cord went Tresidder's way, the Newquay Heron Club member finished off the match 10-8 and claimed the trophy.

The duo then went onto win the doubles final in straight sets 6-3, 6-1.

During the week, Tresidder knocked out number one seed Elisa Cole in the second round, which she said helped her cope with a tough final.

"My confidence just grew and grew after that win," Tresidder said.

"It was weird having to play Kendal in the final and as she plays at the club, the crowd were on her side more.

"I got a bit of luck with the net cord in the tie break, but during the first set Kendal had a few which went her way, so it was worth the wait."