As expected, number one seed Derek Ryan had an easy route out of the first round in the Irish National Championships which began at Fitzwilliam yesterday evening. Ryan out-classed Neal Murphy of Naas in three straight games to progress to this afternoon's quarter-final.

Canadian-based Willie Hosey, the number two seed and the most likely to challenge Ryan's title ambitions, also dismissed his opponent Ronan Peyton with by similar, hassle-free 3-0 scoreline. The 10-time Irish champion is now looking for a place in tomorrow's final as he attempts to deprive Ryan of his championship success. All of the other first round matches went according to seed, with third-ranked Steve Richardson of Ulster cruising past Keith Murtagh 3-0 and the Collins brothers, Chris and Maurice, of Dublin, also ensuring the seeds passed through without upset. They defeated Andre Maur and Rory Jordon respectively.