PRO golfer Charlotte Ellis claimed another top 10 finish in South Africa when finishing in a tie for eighth place at the Sunshine Ladies Tour Open in Johannesburg this week, writes Danny Hall.

A first victory in the Cape looked a distinct possibility for the Cockleford golfer after an opening two-under par round of 70, which included a brilliant run of four birdies in the final six holes.

And an early birdie in the second round left Minchinhampton Golf Club (New course) member Ellis top of the leaderboard at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

But Charlotte faded over the closing holes to a 77 as LPGA tour member Ashleigh Simon shot a sizzling closing 65 to win the event by six shots.

Charlotte's eighth position made it four top 10 finishes in the five tournaments she has played on the Sunshine Ladies Tour this spring.

Both Charlotte and her travelling companion and fellow British pro Lucy Williams now have the opportunity to return to South Africa having qualified for the season-finale Investec Cup for Ladies on March 20.

Ellis, 29, will be delighted with her early-season form ahead of her return to the main Ladies European Tour at the Hassan Trophy in Morocco which starts on March 26.