Ryan sensationally beaten in final

DEREK RYAN was sensationally beaten by third seed Steve Richardson in the final of the Irish Senior Men’s National Squash final at Fitzwilliam in Dublin yesterday.

Ryan ranked 44 in the world , was defeated 3-1 (4-9, 9-5, 9-1,9-6) by the 30-year-old Ballymena native who was winning the title for the first time.

It was a fifth final defeat for Ryan the top seed for the event, who has won seven national titles at this grade. He was also defeated in the final twelve months ago by Liam Kenny. Ironically his last title came at the expense of Richardson two years ago.

Richardson, the current British Amateur Champion, overcame a slow start to take the affair with ease in just over an hour and fifteen minutes. Ryan, who was once ranked number seven in the world, is currently concentrating on his studies in physiotherapy in Manchester and has as a result is playing in fewer national and international competitions.

Richardson, who resides in London where he works in financial services was ranked third in Ireland behind Niall Rooney and Ryan respectively, however yesterday’s victory is certain to propel him up the table.

Meanwhile there was little or no surprise in the women’s final as Madeline Perry from Banbridge defeated Aisling Blake from Sligo in three straight sets earlier in the afternoon.

Perry, the World Number 23 was the hot favourite for the title and was seeded number one for the event. She dominated the tournament and the second seed simply had no answer in the competition decider.