Dubliner Derek Ryan began the new season with a victory in the first round of the Singapore Open yesterday, but had to fight back from a two-game deficit against Julian Wellings of England in a match lasting 117 minutes. The Irish number one is now the highest ranked player in the tournament following the first round defeat of top seed Zarak Jahan Khan of Pakistan. Ryan now meets Sabir Butt of Canada today for a place in the third round.