Irish squash number one Derek Ryan had the best win of his professional career last night when he beat the reigning world champion, Rodney Eyles of Australia, in the first round of the Kuwait Open. The Dubliner recovered from going a game down to take the match 3-1, after an hour and 15 minutes on court. "Rodney hammered me in the first set but I settled down, changed my tactics a little and it seemed to work," said Ryan. "At the end I tried to contain myself, but I was bubbling inside - it's the biggest win I've ever had in a tournament."

Ryan, ranked 17th in the world, is now almost certain to win a much-coveted place in the top 16 when the next rankings are issued in December. He will play either Del Harris of England (the world number 14) or Egyptian Omar Elborolossy (ranked 28) in the second round.