ANTALYA, March 1, 2016

18-year-old Russian Roman Safiullin has been staying in Turkey for one month and eventually claimed his maiden ITF Pro Circuit title, winning the $10,000 SPX Futures in Antalya, held at Riu Hotel Kaya Belek.

The 2015 Australian Open junior champion rallied back to defeat Dimitar Kuzmanov in Sunday’s final 3-6, 7-5, 7-5. Safiullin capitalized on seven of his 10 break point chances to prevail after three hours and seven minutes.

In three of the four previous tournaments he played in Turkey this year, Safiullin lost to 18-year-old Korean Seong Chan Hong, his opponent in the Melbourne final last years.

Hong reached the final of four ITF events in Turkey, winning Turkey’s F5, F6 and F7 Futures, all held in Antalya, having a 15 match winning streak. The Korean teenager has reached a new career high 438 position.