It is difficult to see anybody upsetting Derek Ryan's ambitions of defending his Irish senior squash title this weekend. In his first round game at the Fitzwilliam Centre yesterday evening, Ryan hardly broke sweat in dismissing the challenge of Darren Mylotte in three straight games.

Currently ranked 16th in the world, Ryan has been a little off form in recent weeks but in less than 20 minutes he had booked his place in today's second round. Mylotte won the first two points but then failed to win any more, as Ryan cruised through 9-2, 9-0, 9-0.

There is something very intimidating about the way Ryan plays, easily overpowering his opponent while at the same time giving the distinct impression that he is holding back. He will now meet Paul Frayne, who came from behind yesterday to beat Dara O'Flynn 3-2.

Still, Ryan is set to meet some determined opponents along the way as he searches for his sixth national title. John Rooney was extremely smooth in his three game win over Brian O'Connor 9-0, 9-2, 9-3, and he could figure for a final place if he keeps his nerve.

There was also an impressive win for Neil Murphy, who upset the sixth ranked Eoin Ryan 3-2. Also doing well to progress was Brian O'Hora, beating Niall Byrne in three straight games.

The most likely challenger for a place with Ryan in tomorrow's final however, is likely to be Toronto-based Willie Hosey, ten times the previous winner. At 38, Hosey is still playing some of the best squash of his career.

Madeline Perry enjoyed a similar start to Ryan as she began the defence of her women's title. She had a straight games victory over Claire Staunton.

But there were also convincing first round victories in straight games for Olivia French, Laura Mylotte and Jennifer Dillon, all of whom will ensure Perry will not have it all her own way.

Men's singles: round one: D Ryan bt D Mylotte 3-0; J Rooney bt B O'Connor 3-0; P Frayne bt D O'Flynn 3-2; B O'Hora bt N Byrne 30 and N Murphy bt E Ryan 3-2; P Foster bye, W Hosey bt C McCoy 3-0; S Richardson bt N Peyton 3-0.

Women's Singles: first round: M Perry bt C Staunton 3-0; O French bt E Toolin 3-0; L Mylotte bt D Byrne 3-0; A Blake bt I Tully 3-0 and J Dillon bt S Aiken 3-2, B Ringland bt K Treon 3-0, A McGeever bt L Finnegan 3-0.