The Men's Irish Open championships, sponsored by Carlsberg have never been played at the foothills of the Dublin mountains before. When the action got under way at a new home in Templeogue LTC last evening, a reminder of the best era in Irish tennis when Matt Doyle and Sean Sorensen were the principals was provided by the involvement of youngster Stephen Nugent.

Nugent, a younger brother of the fine prospect of the 1980s Michael, celebrated his victory in last week's Irish Junior Open by making an impressive start in the senior event. He ended the challenge of James Colhoun in straight sets 6-3, 6-2.

Unfortunately, there was fuss on court three as Stephen Taylor was on his way to ousting the more experienced Floyd Williams of Britain. Taylor's victory was well plotted. He had a heavier game and vollied well for some impressive points.

The venue may be new but little else has changed. The absence of an umpire led to disputes between the players and ITF referee Steve Mehigan was on court to sort matters out. At one stage the dispute was over something as basic as whether or not a game had ended.

The withdrawal of Ireland's top player, Owen Casey, apparently arose because he felt he was not been given the same hospitality treatment as the visitors.