SQUASH:Derek Ryan, a former world number seven and Laura Mylotte, the Irish number two, qualified for the main draw in the Cannon Kirk Irish Open at Fitzwilliam yesterday.

In a tense 95-minute match Ryan beat Bradley Hindle, world ranked 90, from Australia 11-5, 11-8, 6-11, 7-11, 11-7. Using exquisite top-spin drops and defensive lobs, Ryan emerged the winner in a closely-fought contest.

Mylotte, fresh from her first tour win in the Malmo Swedish Open, won her way into the main draw when her opponent, Georgina Stoker, ranked 50 in the world had to withdraw with an injury with Mylotte leading by two games to one.

Both players now go through to the main event which starts tomorrow.