Nicky Malone convinced the Irish selectors last evening that he has earned Davis Cup recognition. The 22-year-old from Greystones, a third year economics student at Brown University in Rhode Island, outgunned Sean Copper physically and mentally in an energy-sapping three sets to win the David Lloyds Irish Senior Open Indoor championship at Riverview.

It proved a marathon, mainly baseline, struggle because the opening two sets lasted over two hours. There was no doubt who was better prepared for such a demanding, two-and-a-half hour struggle, resulting in a 7-5 4-6 6-1 win for the more consistent and resilient Malone.

"I ran out of steam in the third set due to a lack of competition since the summer," Cooper admitted. His serve, usually the strong point of his game, proved substandard even though he hit nine aces.

Malone was the more rounded player on the day, producing stunning returns, serving with a higher degree of consistency and covering every inch of the court with superb fleet of foot.

"I reckon that my returns were a primary factor, I wasn't going to give him any free points on serve and was intent on making him work hard," said Malone.

Malone can give the Irish selectors further evidence of his blistering form next month when he leads Brown into the collegiate championships in Kentucky.

Cooper was broken three times alone in the final set against an opponent who remained as fresh as the proverbial daisy. Malone's deep approaches and willingness to get to the forecourt put enormous pressure on the fatigued Cooper.

Elsa O'Riain had her expected win over number two seed Anne Marie Hogan in the women's final. O'Riain's plan to break serve as early as possible in both sets in order to undermine Hogan proved an effective gambit and led to a quite comfortable 6-4 6-2 win.

O'Riain continues her professional career on the British WTA circuit next week in £10,000 and £25,000 events.