SIMON Roberts continued his domination of the regional tennis scene, winning his 12th consecutive men's singles title at the Lancashire County Championships, which were played at Bolton Arena recently

The 33-year-old former Canon Slade pupil did not drop a set in four straight victories to retain his crown.

He broke the previous record of 10 successive titles last year and has vowed to try to extend his reign in 2017.

"I think I will probably keep going until somebody beats me," said the full-time coach, who trains up-and-coming young children at Bolton Arena, as well as at Sport City in Manchester and Holcombe Brook Tennis Club.

"It was a big thing for me to break the record last year, now I just want to see how far I can extend it."

Roberts, of Blackburn Road, Sharples, started playing at Eagley Tennis Club aged seven and flirted with a career on the professional circuit as a youngster.

His ranking peaked at 21st in the country and he made it into the top 750 in the world, but a lack of funding hampered his progress.

"It is really tough to make it," he said.

"There is little or no funding or prize money available as a junior, but if you want to make it you have to go out on the international circuit and play all over the world.

"You have to pay for a top-level coach, as well as travel and accommodation, so unfortunately, unless you have a rich family, it is very tough."

Roberts, who still plays professionally in the Third Division of the German League and is an ex world number one at touch tennis, beat Chris Nott 6-4, 6-1 in this year's county final.

He also overcame Bolton player John Lister 6-0, 6-1 in the semi-finals and knocked out his own pupil, Nemiah Fletchman, 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round.

"I think Nemiah enjoyed getting the chance to play me, and it was good as a coach to see him up close in a competitive game," he said.

"But I guess the fact I have been able to win so many titles, while being good for me, is possibly not a great sign for grassroots tennis.

"Maybe it shows that there are not so many good juniors coming through, but I have beaten some great players during my 12-year run who have fallen by the wayside for one reason or another.

"I know youngsters like Nemiah still struggle to get the funding, just as I did when I quit the pro circuit nine years ago.

"I am sure someone will break through from this region at some point and knock me off my perch, but until that happens I will keep going and see how many county titles I can win."