SWEDEN ended the Irish men's squash team's hopes of a top eight finish at the European championships in Denmark yesterday with a 4-0 victory in the fifth to 12th place playoffs.

A top ten finish was, however, guaranteed later in the day by the Irish with a 3-1 defeat of seventh seeded Spain, leaving the team with one more play-off match against Scotland today.

The women's team beat Italy in their 11th-14th place play off match and face Spain today in their final tie of the tournament. Belfast teenager Madeline Pefry had a fine 3-1 victory over Italian number one and fill time professional Teresa Beresford, before Louise Finegan clinched the match by beating Chicca Ferrari in straight games.