Albany’s Angus Latham won the AO 1 Point Slam at Emu Point on Saturday, taking home the prize voucher and a slot in the State slam final next month.

The event featured players taking part in one-point matches – with the winner going through and the loser going home following a rock-paper-scissors contest to decide who serves.

It was inaugurated as a sideshow prior to the Australian Open, offering a $1m prize fund and becoming a huge success with professionals and amateurs competing.

The concept has now been rolled out nationwide with local competitions providing State slots and ultimately places in the final event in Melbourne at Open time.

Emu Point hosted Albany’s first running of the competition, attracting 22 participants for a mixed showdown.

Latham, at 23 the youngest player in the field, enjoyed a first-round bye and then beat Albany’s Vince Hilder with a drop shot off Hilder’s serve.

He then overcame Ellen Weetman and Tom Street, winning both points with quality defensive lobs.

In the final he met Emu Point’s Kym Bairstow who played through three tough male opponents after starting her campaign against Jackie Atkinson.

Bairstow triumphed over Jens Barsland, Astyn Temby and Sam Graham before falling short against the eventual champion after her trademark wide serve was blocked back for a crosscourt winner.

Organiser Weetman said the event had been a success.

“Surprisingly, there were no double faults served, so people’s nerves held up,” she said.

“It was a very exciting and fun event, thoroughly enjoyed by players and spectators.

“All points were played consecutively on our centre court; the two players went out and had their moment in the limelight with everyone watching on and cheering.”

Latham is now eligible for the Perth tournament on December 4.