Ryan is simply a class apart

There was no stopping Derek Ryan on the final day of the Irish National Squash Championships at the Fitzwilliam Club yesterday. The Dubliner picked up his fifth title with an inspiring display of skill and fitness in a final with a very high level of skill on show.

The top seed and world number 10 was in no mood for seasonal charity over the weekend as he outclassed each opponent with similar ferocity, culminating in a 3-0 hammering of Willie Hosey in the final. The viewing stand in Fitzwilliam was packed as Ryan mercilessly vanquished his opponent 9-2, 9-5 and 9-0.

The Toronto-based Hosey, originally from Carlow, plays mostly in doubles tournaments in Canada these days and there were moments yesterday when he could have done with a partner to cope with Ryan's limb-stretching skills. Frequently he had Hosey stranded across the court with a combination of speed and imagination.

"It's a great end to what has been a wonderful year," said Ryan.

Madeline Perry of Banbridge was equally convincing in defending her women's title, and beat Aisling Blake 3-0 in the final. The Ulster woman and top seed was on top form all weekend although Blake made sure she had to be at her best. Perry jumped to a two-game lead, 9-3 and 9-5, but Blake, who took the Irish junior title just last weekend, battled hard in the final game before going down 9-7. At just 17, the Sligo schoolgirl is clearly a great prospect.