Youngster McArthur admitted to being affected by nerves in her defeat

Jersey tennis players Audrey Bois and Kirsten McArthur both lost their first round qualifying matches at the Caversham ATP tournament in Jersey.

The 14-year-old Bois was visibly nervous when she took to court against England's Michelle Farley and quickly lost the first set 6-0.

In the second, she was more relaxed and won two service games, but it was not enough to save set or match.

Bois told BBC Jersey: "I was really nervous, but it was good fun."

She added: "It was really hard and I couldn't do much more."

Just the whole experience the two girls have had in the last 24 hours has been great for them Tournament director Hugh Raymond

McArthur was next on court and also lost in straight sets, 6-3 6-2 to Elisha Hande of England.

The scoreline flattered Hande, with most games going to deuce.

McArthur, 17, won a silver medal at the Island Games in Aland this year, but then fell ill with glandular fever.

She said the illness definitely played a part in her defeat. "I haven't really been playing at all, so it was pretty hard out there.

"I need to work on my movement around court and attack the ball more, but it was fun and a good experience."

Event organiser Hugh Raymond echoed the view of both players that it was all about gaining experience.

"To be able to put two girls into the tournament, just the whole experience they've had in the last 24 hours has been great for them," he said.

"It's an opportunity that we don't get over here very often."

The main draw of the tournament begins on Tuesday and continues until Sunday.

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