It may have been almost 40 years in the making, but Haverfordwest tennis star Jeremy Cross can finally call himself a British Open singles champion.

Cross had spent the week in Wrexham competing in the British Open Masters Indoor Tennis Championships.

He and partner Matthew Smith started the week well by making the final of the men’s over 45s doubles, but were beaten 6-3 7-5 in the final.

Cross was the top seed in the over 45s men’s singles.

He beat fellow Brits Philip Rimmer, Dean King and Richard Downs to set up a final with Patrick Talbot, which he won 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.

“I am massively elated,” said Cross.

“It’s been 39 years of trying, from an eight-year-old playing in the British Short Tennis Championships.

“It feels fantastic to have finally got across the line in the singles.

“There’s also a bit of relief as well, I was 5-0 up in the final set and had to break his serve to win it 6-4.

“I was top seed so there is always a bit of pressure to fulfil that as well.”

Cross’ latest triumph will have done his chances of qualifying for the World Championships no harm, while the ranking points from this latest tournament could see him sneak into the world’s top 100 in his age group.