Lauren McMinn out at the Shrewsbury Club

The 21-year-old from Shrewsbury spent last week training in Belgium, was unable to replicate the stunning impact she made in last year's event .

Those exploits in her home town which earned her a world ranking for the first time as she bowed out in straight sets to fellow Brit Olivia Nicholls.

The result came as a disappointment to McMinn given her bright recent form which saw her pick up more world ranking points at an Aegon tournament in Barnstaple earlier this month.

Qualifying for the ITF women's pro-circuit event, now in its seventh year at The Shrewsbury Club, continued today with eight places up for grabs in the 32-strong first round draw of the singles competition at a civic reception at the Sundorne Road venue.

The distinguished guest list includes the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, and the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Robert Bland.

Julie Piper, LTA tournament director, said this year's entry list is probably the strongest the Shrewsbury tournament has ever attracted with a host of rising stars from across Europe already ranked within the world's top 200 taking part.

She added: "Turkey's Cagla Buyukakcay, winner of the doubles event last year, returns as No 1 seed.

"With the top eight seeds' WTA rankings ranging from 144 to 169, it makes this week's event one of the strongest ever.

"The Shrewsbury Club is a popular venue with many players and there are plenty of familiar faces who have graced the courts over the years.

"Players and officials are all made to feel welcome and there is always a friendly atmosphere.

"We are now looking forward to the civic reception when the main draw for the singles will be made."

Play will continues, with free admission, every day this week leading up to the singles final on Saturday.