Rachel Wilmott is rated among the world's top four at under-15s.

The 13-year-old Horsham ace finished fourth at the British Open in Sheffield.

Her coach Michael Harris, a national coach, said: "The event is the unofficial world championships because it includes all of the world's top players.

"It's a fantastic effort by her, particularly as she is a year young and up against players who are already joining the professional ranks in countries like Pakistan.

"She is an exceptional talent, a class little act."

The Farlington School pupil was beaten in the semi-finals by Egyptian Nihal Yehia, the No.2 seed and eventual runner-up, 9-7 9-7 9-0.

She was pipped by Charlie De Rycke (Belgium), the European No.1, for third spot.

Harris said: "The only reason she lost was because the other girl was physically stronger, so next year she can certainly go even further.

"Rachel's already said she'll be a world champion. She's not arrogant about it, but she wants it so much."

The national under-13s title holder was satisfied.

She said: "I believe that it will make me No.2 in Europe. The last time I played Yehia was two years ago and I didn't get a point off of her but I've got better and stronger and have more power. I was seeded four so the expectation was high anyway and I was really pleased overall with the way it went."

Suzie Pierrepont, who celebrated her 17th birthday during the tournament, was seventh at under-19s.

The Brighton College pupil, also coached by Harris, was edged out in the quarter-finals by British No.1 Laura Jane Lengthorn 3-0 before securing her position with victory over Welsh No.1 Hayley James.

Suzie, who captained England to the European under-17s title last year, took a game off British No.2 Alison Waters in the consolation event.

She said: "It was a tough event and I finished above my seeding. It's one way of celebrating your birthday."

Stablemate Jenna Gates, the Henfield ace who won the national and French Open under-14s titles last year, was 12th on her debut at under-17s.

She said: "It was different and very tough."

The surprise packet from Sussex was Katie Hanley, 12, from Middleton. She finished 12th at under-13s in one of her first ever events, defeating 16th seed Jan Allman 3-0 along the way.

Harris said: "Her brother Brandon was a British champion but Katie hasn't even had a lesson and played because Brandon entered his age group.

"It's quite an achievement."

Tom Pashley, from East Grinstead, scored a debut victory over Nathan Langley (Cheshire) before going out in the second round at under-15s. Oliver Pett, 13 , from Storrington, fell in the first round on his first appearance.

Harris said: "Tom overcame a player who is No.1 in the South of England and Oliver was another playing a year young."

Oliver's brother Alex suffered the same fate at under-13s. But Ciaran Godfrey (East Grinstead) defeated Charles Quarterman (Oxfordshire) 3-2 before losing in his second match.