New Zealander Nick Turner graduated from the University of Indiana, sold his car and set out to try his luck on the tennis circuit just five months ago before arriving at Templeogue LTC to compete in this week's Dolmans Irish Open Championships.

A little tutoring in Aukland from Chris Lewis, the man who contested the 1983 Wimbledon final against John McEnroe, has been a help and results in France have proved promising for the 23 year old.

"I'll give it a year and then decide if there is a future for me in the game. Otherwise I will use my degree in finance and get a job in a stockbrokers office."

Lewis coaches at a major training centre in his native Aukland where Turner has learned most of what he knows about tennis.

Turner's game is based on serve and volley but he also likes to play all court, something that Richie Martin found to his cost last night when suffering a 6-2, 6-0 defeat. The New Zealander said: "If tennis doesn't work out for me it's a great way to see the world when you are still young."

On an adjoining court Australian Daniel Sewell was given a tough time by Gary Kilduff before getting through 7-5 7-5.

Top seed Tom Spinks of England is strong favourite to endorse his seeding with the South African Vaughn Snyman seeded at two. The Irish challenge is provided by Davis Cup players Owen Casey and John Doran but a late defection from the women's event, due to injury, is number four seed Yvonne Doyle the Irish Federation Cup player.