MATT Pearce was on top form to triumph at the British Grass Court touchtennis Masters at Surbiton.

The Thorpe Bay-based 24-year-old saw off a number of quality opponents to pick up his first title of the year.

And Pearce, the world number two, was thrilled to finally earn victory in a final.

“It was very pleasing to pick up another title, especially after finishing as runner-up in my last four events,” said Pearce.

“The tournament was a really well run event but it was probably one of my hardest routes to a title so far.

“My first match was a three-set win and every player I played against was well known to the sport so I needed to be firing on all cylinders for the majority of the day.”

Pearce saw off Alex Oldfield in straight sets in the final of the event which was played alongside the ladies final of the Surbiton $50,000 Challenger event.

He was also one of nine players from the Southend-based Essex Storm club to enter the championships.

And Pearce now has his sights set on securing more success at the All England Championships, which will be held in Weybridge at the start of July.

“Last year I came so close to the title and my first slam in singles, so picking up the recent tour event on grass gives me that confidence to hopefully perform well in this next event,” said Pearce.

“It’s taking place in Weybridge on their lovely touchtennis grass courts which now have permanent nets on, so it promises to be another great event and hopefully I can do well in that one too.”