Liverpool bound Michelle Larcher De Brito stormed into the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros yesterday.
After an opening round victory over Britain's Melanie South (0-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5) she faced a tough test in the form of China's World No. 15 Jie Zheng.
Any nerves about facing Zheng were soon dispelled winning the opening set 6-4 before completing the job with a 6-3 second set in only 35 minutes.
Michelle now faces France's Aravane Rezai in the third round.
This was Michelle's fifth victory in Paris, having come through three qualifying matches against Eastern European opponents to reach the main draw.
The 16-year-old, who made her Calderstones debut in last year's Liverpool Interntaional, is playing in her first ever Grand Slam tournament.
Anders Borg, Tournament Director of the Liverpool International, is delighted to see her progress in Paris: "Michelle is an amazing talent, and to reach the third round of the French Open at the age of 16 is just amazing.
"She's got the potential to become a top 10 player within a few years and we cannot wait to have her back in Liverpool next month."
Michelle's route to the 3rd Round:
Qualifying 1st Round: Kristina Kucova (SVK) 6-3, 1-6, 6-3
Qualifying 2nd Round: Yuliana Fedak (UKR) 6-3, 6-7 (1), 6-3
Qualifying 3rd Round: Ekaterina Ivanova (RUS) 0-6, 6-4, 6-4
1st Round: Melanie South (GBR) 0-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5
2nd Round: Jie Zheng (CHN) 6-4, 6-3
Michelle will be returning to Calderstones Park to take part in her second Liverpool International next month. Tickets are on sale now. To book go visit www.liverpooltennis.co.uk. For corporate sales please email admin@liverpooltennis.co.uk or call 0151 227 5940.