The Pacific Oceania Under-15 boys’ team claimed its first victory at the Australian Teams Championships on the Gold Coast, defeating Tasmania 2-1 in the Development Draw after a difficult opening match against New Zealand.

Tahiti’s Tao Hirlemann gave the regional side the perfect start with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 singles victory, putting Pacific Oceania ahead early in the contest.

The team then secured the tie with a hard-fought doubles win, overcoming Tasmania 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 in a closely contested match.

The Pacific Oceania boys’ team is made up of Tao Hirlemann of Tahiti, Erik Michon of Papua New Guinea and Fiji’s Frank Sun. The squad is coached by Fiji’s Sumit Lal.

Following the important win, the boys return to the courts today to face the Australian Capital Territory as they continue their campaign at the championships.

The Australian Teams Championships has brought together some of the best junior players from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, with the Pacific Oceania side aiming to build on its momentum after its first win of the tournament.