Michael Wolfe, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president, has hailed the island’s historical achievement at the Junior Davis Cup in El Salvador.

Bermuda’s team, comprised of Trey Mallory, Tariq Simons and Scott Redmond, beat Puerto Rico 2-1 on Wednesday to win group E.

It is the first time that Bermuda has won their group at the event, while victories over rivals Jamaica and Puerto Rico were also a first for the island as well as reaching the top half of play-off round.

Wolfe said: “The team was understandably excited with the win yesterday as they knew it was a first for Bermuda. It was also proof to themselves that putting in the hard work and many hours on the court beforehand could bring positive results.”

Bermuda advanced to the last eight after claiming the big scalp of Puerto Rico on centre court.

Simons got Bermuda’s off on the front foot with a 7-6, 6-2 triumph over Hector Diaz.

Bermuda’s No 1 Mallory then clinched the best-of-three series with the doubles match to spare after brushing aside rival Jean Luis Marrero 6-2, 6-4.

With the series already won, Mallory sat out the dead-rubber double match which Simons and Redmond lost 6-0, 6-3.

Bermuda, who beat Jamaica 2-1 in their opening group match on Tuesday, take on third seed Aruba today in the play-offs.

“Aruba have a couple of very seasoned players on their team so they understand that this will be an even bigger challenge,” Wolfe added. “But they are focused and ready to leave it all on the court for Bermuda.”