RICHARD Irwin reaffirmed his status as one of Britain's brighest young stars when he claimed his first senior pro title at the weekend.

The West Hants teenager defeated a number of more experienced players to take the LTA's British Tour event at Doncaster, and pocketed a cheque for £375.

His impressive run began in the quarter-finals where he came from a set down to oust James Lake of Lincolnshire 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, before beating Ian Flanagan (North Wales) 6-4, 6-1, in the semis.

The 16-year-old was made to work hard in the final as Michael Ouvarov (Middlesex) threatened a comeback - leading 4-0 and love 40 in the second set - but Irwin was not to be denied as he ran out a 6-4, 7-5, winner to take the glory.

It is the latest in a string of successes for the Bournemouth star who reached the final of the under-18 Masters national GP event in March, one of the most prestigious juniors tournaments in the country.

And earlier this month, he was the only British junior to win three rounds of qualifying and earn a place in the main draw of a men's Futures Tournament - just one grade down from the main ATP Tour - losing 6-1, 6-2, to Jean Faurel from France, who is ranked 270 in the world.

Irwin's coach Craig McEwan said: "Since October, we have been working very hard to develop Richard's psychological skills.

"This, coupled with his on-court work with the Paul Hand Tennis Sqaud, is transforming Richard into a formidable opponent. His next immediate challenge is to play in the main draw at Junior Wimbledon in July."

Irwin's progress has delighted McEwan who believes his charge is good enough to become a top 100-ranked player in the world in the future.

"Richard's opponents at Doncaster were seasoned players in their twenties, all physically much stronger than himself.

"But he has a huge will to win that is his greatest asset. What is so exciting about Richard is that he is achieving so much, yet there is enormous scope for further physical, technical, tactical and mental development.

He added: "This lad will make it into the top 100 in the world - this is a realistic goal."

Other results -Breeze VW LTA Tournament at East Dorset TC: Doug Topple bt Peter Taylor 7-5 6-2, A Hunt bt A Kirk 3-6 6-2 6-3, G Moore bt I Kirk 3-6 6-4 6-0, Topple bt B Howell 6-4 6-2, O Emerton bt A Hunt 6-2 6-1, G Moore bt D Taheri 6-1 7-6, Emerton bt D Prosser 6-0 6-3, G Moore bt D Topple 6-4 6-2, J Mayo bt Moore 6-4 6-1, Emerton bt J Prosser 6-4 6-1, C Paterson bt Emerton 6-4 6-4, C Paterson bt J Winter 6-0 6-1.