Lapthorne, ranked number four in the world, had beaten Sweden's Anders Hard 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 at the start of the week's action in Louisiana, going on to defeat Hard's fellow countryman Markus Jonsson and South Africa's Lucas Sithole without dropping a set.

In the final he beat Wagner 6-2, 6-2, his best result against the American, who had overcome another Briton, Jamie Burdekin, in the semi-finals.

"It's a great way to start this important American part of the tour as we get closer and closer to the end of the qualification period for the London 2012 Paralympics in May, so I'm delighted with the win," said the 21-year-old Lapthorne after lifting the fourth International Tennis Federation (ITF) 1 Series title of his career.

"It's my best performance to date against Wagner and it bodes well for the rest of the trip and the upcoming Florida Open Super Series event in a couple of weeks."

Lapthorne was unable to add to his singles title in the doubles final, as he and Burdekin lost out to Wagner and Nick Taylor.

France's Stéphane Houdet claimed the men's singles title against Ronald Vink with memories fresh of two three setters against the Dutchman so far this season.

Houdet claimed victory relatively comfortably though, beating the world number five 6-3, 6-1.


In the women's singles, there was an all Dutch final between Aniek Van Koot (pictured) and Jiske Griffioen, who had made the brighter start in their clash.

Van Koot fought back though to win the opening set 6-3, and then claim the final tightly fought set 7-5 and lift the eighth ITF 1 Series title of her career.

The pair then combined to win the women's doubles title 6-2, 6-0 against another British pair, Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley.

Events are fast running out during the qualification period for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which runs until May 20.

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