Lu ready to take on elite after winning first big title

NANJING: China's new national champion, Lu Jingjing, is looking forward to a great leap up the world rankings next season, claiming she is now ready to compete on the highly-competitive WTA tour.

Lu, the world 201, won her maiden major title yesterday by defeating Han Xinyun in the women's singles final of the Mercedes-Benz China Grand Prix, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, and pocketed 90,000 yuan (US$13,200).

The 20-year-old has had little experience competing in the main draw at WTA tournaments as she has spent most of her time on the ITF circuit but yesterday's win has given her great confidence.