It has taken Owen Casey only two rounds of the ITF Futures event at Riverview to become a strong contender from his humble beginning as a wild card entry.

The Dubliner, after a shaky start, pummelled a tall and talented Russian Kerril IvanovSmolensky in an hour and 40 minutes yesterday to reach today's quarter finals.

From the moment the Irish number two broke serve in the eight game of the second set his game took off for a 6-7, 6-3, 6-0 win.

The 28-year-old Dubliner faces a heavy serve and volley player in Australian Michael Hill today. Casey is the only Irish player remaining in contention.

Scott Barron and Tommy Hamilton were both ousted in straight sets.