A TEESSIDE table tennis star has become a national champion after just two years in the sport.

Lucy Gent, ten and from Ingleby Barwick, was encouraged to play after her older brother Adam was selected to take part in Table Tennis England's Talent Development Centre programme at Ormesby Table Tennis Club.

The Northern Echo: Lucy Gent with her trophy Photo: Chris Rayner

Lucy Gent with her trophy Photo: Chris Rayner

Lucy, a pupil at St Bernadette's RC Primary in Nunthorpe, gave up gymnastics and ever since has been training three to four nights a week under the guidance of coach Hong Hong Peebles.

Last weekend, her hard work paid off when she became Under-10 national champion during the Under-10 to Under-13 National Championships at the University of Central Lancashire, beating second seed, Anna Green from Nottinghamshire, 3-1 (11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7).

Speaking afterwards Lucy said: "It feels really good to be the champion because I've trained so hard.

"My coach, Hong, didn't tell me it was the final so I wouldn't get too nervous. I played the best by mixing my serves and stayed as focused as I could."

Lucy said winning the final point was a brilliant moment.

The Northern Echo: Lucy Gent in action. Photo: Chris Rayner

Lucy Gent in action. Photo: Chris Rayner

"I looked over to my coach who was cheering and then I looked into the stand and saw my mum, dad and brother all jumping up and down celebrating - it was the best moment ever," she said.

Lucy said she wanted to thank her coach and her parents, Andy and Helen, for helping her to become a champion.

"I have the best coach who has taught me to have strength and courage from the first time I picked up a bat, I always believe in myself that I can win. She has put in a lot of time to teach me the right techniques," she said. "I'd also like to thank my mum and dad who always take me to training and tournaments."

Lucy said she would like to become a professional player one day.

"I would love to play for England like Karina Le Fevre," she said.

Her coach, Hong said other children should look up to Lucy.

“She is a talented young athlete who trains extremely hard and loves table tennis," she said. "I am very proud of Lucy's success, she is a good role model in sports for other school children.”