The young Spaniards in the Nexia BT European U-16 tournament, played recently at the Vittoriosa Lawn Tennis Club, have scooped the major honours.

The boys’ final, characterised with some very high quality play, was contested by Francisco Bohorques, of Spain, and Cyprus youngster Eftherios Neos.

Both contenders hit hard and their play was very strategic, making them two players for the future.

Eftherios, through sheer perseverance, outsmarted Bohorques and took the first set 7-5.

In the second set, Bohorques broke his opponent’s defences and won the set 7-5 to force a decider.

The final set was again won by the Spaniard 6-4.

Another Spanish youngster, Helena Jansen Figueras, reached the final of the girls’ event. Her opponent was Ukrainian Kateryna Zadorozhna.

It was clear that Zadorozhna was affected by the excessive heat but the same cannot be said of Figueras.

After losing the first set 6-1, Zadorozhna decided to retire citing fatigue and injury behind her reasons not to complete the match.