Asciak wins title after close final

Matthew Asciak wrote down a new page in Maltese tennis history. Yesterday Asciak won the ITF U-18 world ranking event after he beat Lukas Jastraunig, of Austria, in the boy' singles final played at the Marsa Sports Club.

The match turned out to be a hard-fought affair. Asciak took command early on, winning the opening set 6-1. Jastraunig started to play more solidly, securing the second set 6-3 to force the decider.

The third set was evenly balanced. Jastraunig tried to impose his play with his powerful serves but Asciak played solidly from the baseline hitting several winners. The Maltese player took a decisive break that enabled him to serve for the match at 5-3.

Asciak kept hold of his nerves to win the next game to seal his victory.

This was the second major title won by Asciak this season following his Malta Open triumph three months ago. He is now expected to lead the Malta team in their Davis Cup commitments in July.

In the men's doubles final, British duo Philip Stephens and Simon Baker beat Maksym Atamov, of Ukraine and Briton Louis Barnes in straight sets, 6-3 6-1.

After the match, Malta Tennis Federation general secretary Dr David Farrugia Sacco presented the trophies to the winners. Wilson and San Michel were the main sponsors of the tournament.