Southern Regional Championship title in New Jersey.

Brooks, 12, took on and beat all before her in the 16-and-under age group at Elmwood Park.

After her semi-final match was interrupted by rain, Brooks came back to finish off her opponent, before going on to win the final 6-1, 6-2.

On the way to the big prize, she knocked out number two seed, Ayumi Yamazaki 6-2, 6-2.

Mother Kim said she was tremendously proud of her daughter's achievement.

"She is all excited,'' she said after speaking to her yesterday. "She says the trophy is just so big. I could not sleep last night and I can't wait to see her.'' Mrs. Brooks said her daughter had been involved in a number of sports, but had decided to concentrate on tennis. She has been involved in the sport for three years and has been coached by Sheila Gomez and Ricky Mallory.

Mrs. Brooks said it was her daughter's intention to become a professional and playing on the international stage would give her exposure against some of the best up and coming young players.

"Ashley is a very determined person. She has the attitude of `I'm going to go there and win','' Mrs. Brooks said.

Meanwhile fellow Bermudian, Sasha Fisher has made it to the final of the girls 14 and under section of the International Tennis Federation Junior Tournament in Trinidad.

Fisher had to come from behind to defeat number two seed, Trinidadian Laura Marin. Trailing 4-6, 0-3, Fisher played patiently and controlled the pace of the rallies to claw back the second set and run away with the third for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

She takes on favourite and number one seed H-Ann Johnson of Antigua in the final.

With her sister Kara, Fisher also made it to the semi-finals of the girls 14 and under doubles tournament, winning 6-2, 6-3 against Nicole Agostini of Trinidad and Eri Yamahura of New York.

CLAUDE KEEPS IN TOUCH CYC Claude keeps in touch Bermuda's Melanie Claude was in touch with the leaders during the second day of the Grand Prix Feminin International Du Quebec cycle race.

Claude finished one minute and 19 seconds behind the leader after the 123 kilometre stage, with fellow Bermudian Julia Hawley around 17 minutes back.

Team-mate Jeanna Jones is believed to have pulled out of the event after she suffered a fall on the previous day.

The Bermudian team also have cycling legend Jeannie Longeau among their ranks.

She is among four favourites tracking the new leader, British rider Sarah Symington, who distanced American Pamela Schuster in the final sprint.