Enfield’s Denise Payet underlined her undoubted potential with victory at the Cadet Masters and has set her sights on representing England.

The 12-year-old, who is a member of Ellenborough Table Tennis Club, was the favourite going into the competition and she didn’t let that pressure affect her performance.

The top 12 Under-15 girl table tennis players in the country were in action and Payet was unbeaten in her opening six matches.

The Enfield County School pupil then faced club mate Zahna Hall and was victorious in straight sets. She took on previously unbeaten Kate Nixon and Payet again proved too strong as she claimed a 3-1 success.

Payet was beaten by Kate Cheer in her final game but the result was irrelevant as Cheer lost to Nixon which guaranteed the Enfield youngster the championship title.

Speaking after her win, Payet said: “I am competing against girls much older than me but my long-term goal is not just to play for England but to win for England.”

Ellenborough Table Tennis Club chairman, Keith Williams, said: “It’s astonishing that Denise has won the competition at just 12 years of age. “Last season she finished fifth and Denise would be the first to thank the coaches at Ellenborough and Enfield County School for the support they have shown her. A big thank you goes to coach Zoltan Hozzu who was in Denise’s corner for the whole weekend.”

Williams added: “Zoltan praised Denise’s mental consistency and mature and professional attitude throughout the weekend which is exceptional at this age.

“This tournament is watched closely by England selectors and therefore this will increase Denise’s chances of continuing to represent England at international tournaments.”