ALASTAIR HUNT, New Zealand's ambitious Davis Cup player and top seed at this week's Carlsberg Leinster Senior Open championships in Templeogue, has just proved that a year can be a profitable time in professional tennis.
Since leaving Ireland last year with the Leinster title, Hunt has cut his world ranking from the 900s into the 200s by competing in satellite tours on three continents.
He plays for New Zealand against Holland in next month's vital Davis Cup clash.
Despite a good field in Templeogue, including last year's finalist Tom Spinks, Hunt is a stronger favourite than he was last year. He duly walked away with his opener last night against Barry Leonard.
George McGill was easily the best of the Irish challengers. He gave a polished display of power and accurate hitting to dismantle Simon Crabtree's game over two highly competitive sets, 7-6 6-4.
Aoife O'Neill, whose brothers, Sean and Owen figure in Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final, reeled off 12 unbeaten games for victory over Karen Mackey.
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