Clontarf's James Colhoun recorded a memorable victory over former Australian Open Champion Roscoe Tanner of the USA to progress to the second round of the Irish Open Tennis Championship in Dublin's Templeogue last night. The 20-year-old ousted the 1977 Open champion in straight sets 6-2 7-6, with the young Trinity bound man using a combination of stunning top spin lobs and back spin drop shots to see to his more senior opponent.
Tanner, who also lost a Wimbledon final to Bjorn Borg two years later, came to the event with the sole intention of continuing his coaching of American protégé, Simon Dawson. However, the veteran left-hander, who will be 50 in a couple of months, was persuaded to compete by the tournament organisers but could only last 75 minutes as the Dubliner's more direct and energetic game prevailed.
Colhoun is joined in the second round of the tournament by Irish No 3, John Doran, who beat Shane Travers, and Dubliner Kevin Noble. South Africa's Vaughn Snyman ended the hopes of Irish Junior champion Colm O'Brien, Snyman easing through comfortably 6-1 6-3.
Filed by Shane Murray
