Robson loses dramatic final at the last

Laura Robson is already ranked at a career-high 74 (Getty Images)

Laura Robson was thwarted in her bid to become Britain's first WTA Tour singles champion for 24 years in a dramatic clash with Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-wei in the final of the Guangzhou International Open.

The 18-year-old looked set to lose in straight sets but saved five match points and then went 3-0 up in the decider only for world number 53 Hsieh to fight back and win 6-3 5-7 6-4 in hot and humid conditions in China.

Robson was not even born the last time Britain had a singles finalist - Jo Durie in 1990 - but Sara Gomer's reign as the last British winner in 1988 remains.

It has nevertheless been a brilliant week for Robson, who has built on her superb run to the fourth round of the US Open and will climb into the world's top 70 for the first time on Monday.

PA