11 February 2013 | Tennis SA

New South Wales tennis player Matt Barton’s career recieved a huge boast yesterday when he won the Charles Sturt Adelaide International at West Lakes

Barton claimed his first Challenger tournament when he dominated the final to conquer Great Britain’s James Ward 6-2, 6-3.

The 21-year old, coming off a semi final apperaance in the Burnie Challenger last week was relentless in maintaining pressure on his opponent and be broke Ward twice in the second set while remaining unbroken in the match.

Serving with authority, Barton’s forehand was also a powerful weapon and he hit a flood of winners. The right hander was not afraid to run around his backhand to pound a forehand winner.

In a contract to Ward’s struggle to find the answers to stretch the match beyong two sets, Barton played with confidence and his movement around the court was assertive.

Barton, who had a breakthrough win last year was his furst Futures victory when successful in Alice Springs, gained revenge for his loss to Ward in Chinese Taipei last year at their only previous meeting.

Sam Groth and MAtt Reid combined to beat James Duckworth and Greg Jones 6-2, 6-4 in the doubles final.