Old Father Time may have messed up his footwork, timing, court coverage and perhaps shot selection but Roscoe Tanner can still pack a good game of tennis as was demonstrated in the first round of the Irish Open championship at Templeogue last night.

But the famed left-hander had to succumb to the youthful exuberance of 20 year old James Colhoun. The talented Dubliner, who enters Trinity next month, grabbed the opportunity to display his undoubted talent by winning a 75-minute match 6-2 7-6.

When did Colhoun realise that Tanner had no longer got the touch and skills? "During the knock-up" retorted Colhoun. "I felt what he didn't want most of all was to be confronted by some young fella, like me, who would stand up to him." Colhoun felt at ease to play stunning winners off top-spin lobs and back-spin drop shots to race away to a first-set win.

The net seemed too high for Tanner's approach shots from the baseline and Coulhoun easily broke the remnants of the great man's serve. "He plays well and can hit the shots when he needs to", said Tanner of his young opponent.

Tanner looked likely to take the second set when leading 5-2 but Colhoun was also resilient and forced a tiebreak which he won 7-4. That second set proved the undoing of the Australian as he lost four set points during it.

South African Vaughn Snyman had an outstanding win over the Irish Junior champion Colm O'Brien 6-1 6-3. And top seed John Doran went through with ease at the expense of Shane Travers. Also through is Australian Luke Bourgeois, a clear winner over Brian Kennedy.

MEN'S IRISH OPEN: First round: J Doran bt S Travers 6-0 6-0; B King bt M Joyce 6-4 6-4; C Taylor bt C Dolan 6-0 6-2; J Colhoun bt R Tanner 6-2 7-6 (7-4); V Synman bt C O'Brien 6-1 6-3.

WOMEN'S LEINSTER SENIOR OPEN - Second round: E O Riain bt D Kelly 6-0 6-0; L O'Shea bt S Perkins 6-1 6-0; K Nugent bt E Sloan 6-0 6-1.