THEY are very capable of making a name for themselves as Ireland's best tennis double act since Matt Doyle and Sean Sorensen.

The new Irish success story, Scott Barron and Owen Casey, both full time professionals, gave promise of a bright new chapter in the game here when winning their opening match in the European Nations team championship against Luxembourg at Riverview last evening.

Barron had the toughest task against a deceptively talented player in Sacha Thoma. The Irish number one started well but made matters more difficult for himself by shifting down a gear in the second set.

After putting in a blistering finish, garnished by superb returns, to take the match 6-3 2-6 6-3 in one hour and 25 minutes, he admitted: "Maybe it was a bit ugly, but I am glad I did the job.

Casey showed all the charisma of a seasoned circuit player on his way to a convincing straight sets win over 17 year old Pascal Schaul. The Irishman's mental attitude was correctly applied as he refused to give the obviously talented Schaul a chance to gain in confidence.

The Irishman's experience suitably augmented his aggression. He manoeuvred his opponent cleverly into the forehand court where the lefthanded Schaul was most vulnerable. The Irish full timer had a confident first serve from the start. It was no surprise to see him drop only two points on it as he raced to a 4-1 lead.

But Schaul was not undermined. He possesses good ground shots - particularly out of the backhand court - overheads, and a reliable serve, and this enabled him to put up a worthy fight.

Casey was the shrewder tactician and more mobile operator generally, and pocketed the first, set in 28 minutes.