TENNIS pro Dan Cox announced his return to form with a string of victories against talented opposition to win a $10,000 tournament in Frinton last week.

The 19-year-old Lincolnshire player earned his second professional career title, beating two former British Davis Cup stars in Chris Eaton and Josh Goodall on his way to glory in Essex.

Cox also looked on track for more success at a $15,000 hard court tournament in Dublin this week after reaching the quarter-final stages yesterday.

And after a difficult start to this season due to a wrist injury and a dip in form, the teenager is delighted to finally be finding his best game once again.

"It was great to finally string a number of wins together," said Cox.

"I thought I was playing well the week before at the tournament in Ilkley, but I was beaten in the first round.

"So I went to Frinton determined to relax more and play my natural game.

"I did just that and it obviously worked. In the first round match against Chris Eaton, I chased everything down and played some good tennis.

"To beat someone like Chris (Eaton) (3-6 7-5 6-4), who has won a first round match at Wimbledon before, was just fantastic and I think it boosted my confidence for the rest of the week."

The former Hykeham student then went on to beat Kyle Brassington (GBR) 6-7(8) 6-1 6-1; Sean Thornley (GBR) 6-3 7-5; Colin Ebelthite (AUS) 6-3 6-4 and former Davis Cup star Josh Goodall (GBR) 7-6(5) 6-2.

With no trophy presented, Cox had to be satisfied with the title and some prize money, but, more importantly, the highly regarded Lincolnshire talent will see his world ranking improve.

"It was strange that there was no trophy, but I was just pleased to be winning again," Cox added.

"It's good that my ranking will be improved, but to be honest, I try to put that out of my mind and focus on playing well in the tournaments.

"It's a long season, we will be playing tournaments up until December, so there are a lot of matches to play."

After the Dublin event, Cox is due to take part in another $15,000 tournament in Chiswick, where his Frinton victory has earned him a wild card entry into the main draw.