In one of the most exciting matches of this year's Wimbledon championships 17-year-old Swede, Bjorn Borg on Thursday (28 June), defeated West German Karl Meiler 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3.

Borg, who has become something of an idol for the young Wimbledon girl tennis fans, started off well. His speed of serve and accurate volleying were working well, as was his devastating two-handed back-hands.

The Swede established a two-set lead. but in the next set the 24-year old West German began to find his rhythm. In the third and Fourth sets he produced some of the finest tennis of the championships, driving the ball deep to the corners and pulling off some stunning drop shots.

In the fifth set Borg, who looked like he had lost his chance, got back some of his consistency and immediately broke Meiler's serve. He went in to a 3-1 lead and then games went with service. Borg won the match on his own serve after a loose return of serve from the German.

As the two players left the court, after a titanic two-hour struggle, Borg's young fans screamed with delight at their conquering hero.