Linda Charman is hoping it will be fourth time lucky when she bids for the national title in Manchester next week.

Charman, the world No. 4 from Eastbourne, has been beaten three times in the final.

She said: "I'm sick of being runner-up. I am going to do my best to make sure my fortune changes. I aim to change that old adage of third time lucky to fourth time lucky."

This year's championships in Manchester begin on Monday with Charman the top seed and in form.

She said: "Quite often you can go into the nationals not having done much in the year, but this time it is different.

"I had my biggest tournament win ever at the Greenwich Open in America and I even beat a player ranked above me, Natalie Pohrer. It has given me a lot of confidence."

Charman has warmed up by helping league leaders Chichester to a 5-0 win over Lexden (Essex) in the southern section of the National League.

The England world championship team captain scored a 3-1 victory over Rebecca Macree, a scheduled semi-final opponent in Manchester.

Charman said: "It is good to have a psychological advantage over her because she is an awkward opponent."

Cassie Jackman (Norfolk), who beat Charman in last year's final, is in line for a last four match against Tania Bailey (Lincolnshire), Charman said: "Cassie is returning from back trouble and Tania will be strong but I'm also likely to meet Fiona Geaves, a former champion who beat me in a final, in the quarters. It won't be easy."

Charman, 31, faces Jenny Duncalf (Yorkshire) in her opening round match as she returns to the courts on which she won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Suzanne Horner (Yorkshire), the third player to frustrate Charman in the final, is in the field.