South African Vaughan Synman (24), the top seed in the Carlsberg Irish Open men's championship at Templeogue was attracted to rugby rather than tennis in his earlier years.

He played for Eastern Province Port Elizabeth as a fly-half before deciding to make the switch to tennis. "What made up my mind was the realisation that you pick up more injuries in rugby!"

After a brief first round match with Britain's David Slater, Snyman reckons he has a good chance of justifying his top seeding. "Anyone of about six players can win it and Owen Casey is one of them," he said.

Fifth seed Owen Casey is likely to have his toughest match against third seed Ross Matheson.

Julia Lutrova, the holder and number two seed in the women's Leinster open championship, got over a few bumpy patches to outgun Britain's Alex Napier. Gina Niland had no difficulty against Emma Bollard, but faces a more difficult match against top seed Mareze Joubert of South Africa.