Maia Lumsden (10) was competing in the final of the Smrivka Bowl in the Croatian city of Pula on the Adriatic coast at the weekend.

Despite putting up a brave fight, the talented player, from Hawthorn Drive, Bearsden, went down to Katerina Jokiv of Bosnia 6-2, 6-0 in the final.
A victory would have taken Maia to number one in the world at under-10 level.

The event, generally regarded as the top under-10 tournament in the world, is now in its 13th year and attracted elite players from more than 30 countries.

Many of the top players at Wimbledon, and on the the European professional tour, have taken part in the event in the past.

Maia had attended the event last year, but only as a spectator, and was taking part in her first major European tournament.

Representing Europe in Pula, Maia came through five rounds to reach the final, and went on to beat two players from America, who had previously beaten eventual winner Jokiv.

Mum Gillian was delighted with her daughter's performance.

She said:"We thought she was only going to make the semi-final, so to finish as runner-up was a great achievement.

"The improvement this year in her play has been huge. We are all very excited and are looking forward to the future."

The Mosshead P6 pupil started her career at Bearsden Tennis Club and is now a member of The David Lloyd Tennis Academy at Next Generation, Anniesland, which fast tracks talented youngsters through a structured programme.

Head coach Toby Smith said: "Maia is looking like a very exciting talent for the future.

"Nothing seems to upset her. She has a lot of determination and focus.

"She definitely knows what she wants to be, and has already met some top senior players."

Maia has already won the under-10 British Clay Court championship at Queenswood tennis school in Hertfordshire.

And next week, Maia will be heading to France with Judy Murray, mother of Wimbledon hero Andy, to compete in a series of youth tournament in Paris.