Apart from expressing the standard wish for returning next year to defend his title, Nick Fulwood, the new Carlsberg Irish Open tennis champion, went a little further with a welcome promise at Templeogue on Saturday. Fulwood (34), has been so impressed by the standards among Ireland's teenage prospects that he plans to return earlier. He has offered the organisers his services to run clinics here, accompanied by other top British players, within the next couple of months.
"There are young players here like Stephen Taylor and David O'Connell who have excellent potential and I would like to help them," said the affable former Davis Cup player now involved in coaching in London and Derby.
Russia's Julia Lutrova (22), lifted the women's title, beating Ireland number one Gina Niland comfortably after losing the first set tie break.
Fulwood, raced to a straight sets 6-1 6-4 win over Australian Ashley Naumann.
Ironically, it was the Australian who was in the hurry to get to the signing on centre for a Challenger event in Britain this week.
Fulwood, using his devastating backhand and solid serve to the full, took the first set in 20 minutes and the second in twice that time to round off a convincing 6-1 6-4 win against a subtle ground stroker.
Niland, the top Irish player, was seeded at seven and did well to reach the final. When she got there she was determined, but most of her challenge was packed into the opening set.
"She (Lutrova) changed her game plan by hitting the ball more firmly in the second set. It was over before I knew what had happened," said Niland.
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