By Stephen Wright

Stephan Koenigsfest, of Bolivia, was crowned the boys’ under-18 champion in the Bank of Bermuda Foundation ITF Junior Circuit Tournament on Saturday.

Koenigsfest, the No 1 seed, defeated Lane Leschly, of the United States, 6-3, 7-5 in a rain-interrupted match at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.

The 17-year-old said he was thrilled with his victory after losing in the semi-finals in last year’s competition.

“It was a very tough match and the second set was very difficult,” Koenigsfest said.

“I was pleased with the way I played as it’s a very difficult tournament with some very good players.

“The rain didn’t bother me. I was losing when the rain started, so it probably benefitted me rather than [Leschly]

In the women’s competition, Madison Battaglia, of the United States, defeated compatriot Kate Paulos 6-1, 6-1 in their rain-affected match on Saturday.