Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Brandon Burke justified his number-one ranking yesterday when he captured the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Singles Championships at the Eric Bell Centre yesterday.

The 16-year-old thrashed third-seeded Argentinian Alejo Apud 6-1, 6-2 in the final.

"I think that I played very well even though I was feeling a bit tired on Friday. I recovered very well for today's game because I drank a lot of water, and I came out going for my shots and came out on top," said Burke.

"I think it was an easy match because he is a good player, but I think that I played the big points better," said Burke who is son of former national champion and current technical director of local tennis, Douglas Burke.

Pleased with execution

Young Burke added that he was very pleased with how he executed his game plan because he knew that his opponent had good forehand and backhand shots and he was able to counter this.

"It really felt good to win her in front of the home crowd because I had a lot people supporting me and this gives me a lot of confidence going forward in my upcoming tournaments," said Burke.

Burke dominated the match and he quickly established 3-0 in the opening set. However, Apud rallied to break Burke's serve to reduce the deficit 3-1. But the hard-hitting right-handed Burke then broke the Argentinian twice on his way to a comfortable first-set victory.

In the second set, Burke, who was much quicker to the ball than his opponent, eased to a 3-1 lead but Apud who was desperate to keep the match alive rallied to cut the deficit at 3-2. However, Burke dominated the rest of the game. He held his serve to go 4-2 up then broke Apud before serving out the match to claim his first ITF singles crown on home soil.

Amazing tennis

Apud was very gracious in defeat.

"I did play well but Brandon produced good and amazing tennis and I have to congratulate him. He played so hard and he was dominating every time and I couldn't do anything," said Apud.

Meanwhile, seventh-ranked Kelsey Laurente of the United States won the girls' singles crown with a hard-fought come-from-behind 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over her countrywoman and fifth-seeded Alam Echeverria.

The 14-year-old Laurente said she was delighted with her performance.

"I think I really played well because I gave it my all today. It was a really intense and hard match and I am glad that I won," said Laurente.