Britain's Kartal misses out on biggest title of her career

Britain's Sonay Kartal fades from a strong position in a gripping Wuhan Open final against Grand Slam runner-up Maja Chwalinska.

Sonay Kartal will become the British number one when the WTA rankings are released on Monday

Britain's Sonay Kartal missed out on what would have been the biggest title of her career as she faded in a gripping Wuhan Open final against French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska.

Kartal, 24, was bidding to lift the trophy in only her third event since returning from a six-month absence caused by a back injury.

But an extraordinary week in China seemed to catch up with Kartal as she ran out of steam - physically and mentally - in a 2-6 6-4 6-2 defeat.

Kartal was playing in just the 10th match of her impressive comeback and was attempting to become the first Briton to win a WTA 1,000 title since Johanna Konta in 2017.

Ranked 170th in the world at the start of the event, Kartal reached Sunday's final by seeing off a host of notable opponents, including current top-10 players and former major champions.

Source: BBC Sport