THE women’s singles title once again eluded Wanborough ‘s Louise Hunt as she finished runner-up at the National Wheelchair Championships for the third time.

Hunt, 19 made a fine start in the first of her three round robin matches in the women’s singles, beating Shropshire’s Val Fisher without dropping a game.

She then earned a place in the title-decider after beating Lancashire’s Anna Tarkowski 6-3, 6-2.

Hunt and Warwickshire’s British number two Jordanne Whiley were both undefeated after their first two matches, but Whiley scooped her third national title after a 6-0, 6-3 victory.

“It’s always tough playing Jordanne,” said Hunt.

“It’s always something I look forward to as we’re also best friends, but once we’re on court we’re big rivals.

“My coach thought I played better in the first set, although I was happier with the second set, but overall it’s been a great weekend and there are lots of positives to take away and work on.”

Hunt also had her name added to the women’s doubles roll of honour alongside Whiley, after Tarkowski was unable to take to the court for the final due to illness.

After seeing her women ‘s singles world ranking shoot up to just outside the world ‘s top 30 by the end of 2009, Hunt was named Ladies’ Most Improved Player at the National Wheelchair Tennis Association Awards.

She also scooped a second award for winning the women’s section of the 2009 NWTA Grand Prix, after collecting the most points from a series of domestic tournaments last year.

After improving her career best ranking to number 18 in April, Hunt ‘s next focus is back on the international NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour as she prepares for next month’s Bavarian Open in Germany.