John Rendina made his biggest impact on the Irish tennis scene by winning the national under-18 championship 10 years ago.

When he returned, after three years, to the competitive scene for the fourth round of the Irish senior Open in Templeogue last evening, his game revealed the damage the lay-off had done and hopes against top-seed quickly Owen Casey faded away.

Still, Casey had to admit: "I saw a few flashes of the old Rendina, but he was a bit rusty."

Rendina (28), was competitive, but was better at contesting the rallies than winning the point. He could have been intimidated by Casey's opening rapier and accurate serves - two aces and two service winners - but he played good, challenging tennis, despite the 6-1 6-0 defeat.

Next up for Casey, who looks the inevitable winner of the event, is Gary Kilduff, a straight-sets winner over Nap Keeling.

Stephen Taylor gave rise to the possibility of defeating a seed when winning the first set convincingly against third-favourite Barry Fulcher of Britain. But Fulcher won the match for the loss of only a further five games.

South African Vaughan Snyman, seeded five, ended the hopes of Australian Peter Allott 6-2 6-3 in a match brimful of flare and attacking tennis.