Young Davis Cup player John Doran struck top form to give Ireland an edge over Scotland in the opening rounds of the Four Nations international tennis series at Sundays Well in Cork yesterday.

Harvard University student Doran maintained the form that enabled him to reach the semi-finals of the Irish Open last week when he despatched the challenge of late call-up Owen Hadden in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Later he was influential when partnering Ireland's number one Owen Casey in a fighting display for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Ross Matheson and Hadden.

Casey was beaten by Matheson for the second time in just over a week, but the Irishman claims that he played better tennis on this occasion despite going under 4-6, 67.

Once more it was Matheson's power serve that tipped the scales in his favour. "I served well with the exception of one poor game in the first set which gave him the break," said Casey.

The second set was close and the tie break fell to Matheson 7-4. Ireland are in a strong position following this win against a team that has arguably the best player in the event in Matheson.

Ireland's women's team of Gina Niland and Lesley O'Halloran enhanced prospects with a 3-0 win over Scotland's Nicola Payne and Michelle Mair.