HEATHFIELD School student Charlotte Bardsley admitted she had to dig deep to secure her first ever national title.

Bardsley (pictured above) claimed the under-12 girls’ singles crown in Doncaster yesterday.

The country’s best young players aged between 11 and 14 years old descended on Yorkshire.

The Stourbridge junior was forced to battle hard in the semi-final as she fought back from 2-0 down against Alice Dillon to win a five-set thriller 6-11, 3-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4.

In the final against Amelia Chan she triumphed 3-1 (11-7, 12-10, 10-12, 11-5).

“I feel really happy and proud,” said Bardsley.

“I thought I was buried in the semi-final, but when I won the third set I got my confidence back and focused a bit more.

“I think to win a title you need determination, hard work and being able to listen, and I’m grateful to my coach and parents as well.”

Bardsley is a member of Woodfield Club in Wolverhampton.