KENT golfer Karen Stupples finished joint second at the English Open at Chart Hills on her return to competitive golf.

Stupples hadn't played on the LPGA Tour since last November after taking time out to give birth to her first child in April.

But she was soon back in the swing off it and was in contention to win the event at the Biddenden course until the final day of the three-day tournament.

Challenging for first place, Stupples, who is from Deal, bogeyed the 13th in the third round then carded a double bogey at the 15th before eventually finishing three shots behind eventual winner Becky Brewerton of Wales.

She said: "I'm so happy. Tied for second - what more could I ask for?"

Fellow Kent golfer Danielle Masters finished joint 16th with a score of two over par.