THE annual Wirral leg of a major international tennis tournament has seen its Doubles champions crowned this afternoon.

Liverpool-born Sarah Beth Askew and Olivia Nicholls triumphed in a close fought contest against Veronica Corning (US) and Harriet Dart (GBR) at Bidston Tennis Centre.

Askew and Nicholls took the first set 6-2 before Corning and Dart levelled with a 6-1 win in the second.

A tight match tie-break eventually went to Askew and Nicholls 10-8.

The singles final will be held on Saturday at 11am and sees Belgium's Klaartje Liebens take on Silvia Njiric of Croatia.

Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure and culture, led the awards presentation.

She said: "I'd like to say a huge congratulations to the winners of the Doubles competition and a thankyou to all of the staff at the tennis centre and the spectators for making this such a memorable occasion.

"The tournament has showcased some of the top up-and-coming players in world tennis, and I’m sure it will inspire our youngsters to get into the sport.

"We want everyone in Wirral to be able to access sport and leisure and the Aegon GB Pro-Series is a showcase event for our great facilities." 

During the course of the Tournament there has also been great news for some of our young local players.

Viktor Frydrych and Debra Abraham have been selected to play for Great Britain’s under 10s in France next month.

And Alex Krol, a wheelchair player, has been chosen to represent Great Britain at the Invictus Games in Florida later this year.

Dave McIndoe, Wirral Council's tennis development officer, said: "It's fantastic for three of our players to develop their talent in our tennis programme and then be recognised nationally for their exploits, all at the same time as an international event is held at our centre.

"It just goes to show how inspirational our hosting of the Aegon GB Pro-Series tournament is for young local sportsmen and women." 

Laura Ratcliffe, tournament director for the Lawn Tennis Association, said: "I'd like to offer my congratulations to this week's doubles winners Sarah Beth Askew and Olivia Nicholls.

"It's been a fantastic week of competition with great local support from the tennis centre and the local spectators.

"It's brilliant to see doubles as part of these international competitions, particularly as doubles is what most tennis players play week in and week out across the country.

"Hopefully, we've all been able to pick up some tips this week! We're all now eagerly awaiting the singles final tomorrow.

"Play starts at 11am and entry is free for spectators so please come down and support."