James Stout, of Bermuda, and Jonathan Larken won the first leg of their World Rackets Doubles Challenge at the Queen’s Club in London at the weekend.

Stout, the world singles champion since 2008, and Larkin defeated the present holders, Alex Titchener-Barrett and Christian Portz, in the best-of-seven match, 4-1, 9-15, 15-8, 15-5, 15-5, 15-4. The match lasted two hours.

The second leg will be held at the Racquet and Tennis Club in Manhattan. The challengers need to win two games to claim the title.