Zhang all smiles after learning experience

China's Zhang Shuai lost to 2007 Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli of France 6-1, 6-4 in the third round of the China Open yesterday but left the court full of pride and claiming the experience of taking on highly-ranked players at a Premier WTA tour event was a major career boost .

"I have seldom played high-ranked players before. After the three matches here, I feel the gap is not as huge as I originally thought," Zhang, 20, said.

"I think I've grown more mature and calm on the court. The matches here will help a lot in building up my confidence for the future."