HEREFORDSHIRE tennis ace Colin Bennett has landed a record 17th singles title following success at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire LTA County Closed Championship.

The defending champion, who grew up in Ross-on-Wye and has played against former British star Greg Rusedski, beat Pershore junior Oliver Nunn in three tight sets, prevailing 6-4, 5-7, 7-6.

Gloucester-born Bennett represented the county throughout his youth and, at under-18-level, he was number four in the UK rankings.

He decided to turn professional, moving up to Manchester and playing for Matchpoint Tennis Centre.

Bennett got up to a men's ranking of 13 and managed to get into the world's top 600.

He got to his latest final at Manor Park in Malvern by overcoming Jack Smith 6-4, 6-3 in the week-long tournament.

Smith's disappointment was eased though by listing the men's doubles with partner Tobie Timmermans after beating Steve Barnett and John Chidlow 6-2, 6-2.

The pair also won the Under-18 boys title while Smith triumphed in the same age group singles, beating Alex Maggs 6-2, 6-2.

Bennett first thrashed Barnett 6-0, 6-0 his first match before coming through a tougher match in the quarter-finals against Paul Burgess.

Bennett won the first set 7-6 before easing through 6-2 in the second to claim his spot in the semis.