MOST OF the leading Irish players are taking part in the Carlsberg-sponsored Irish Close championships which got underway in fine conditions at Donnybrook yesterday.

The holder, Tom Hamilton who had a splendid win over Eoin Collins in a thrilling decider last year, defends his title. The top-class field also includes Scott Barron and Owen Casey who will lead Ireland in the Davis Cup against Greece next month in an opening round.

Barron and Casey had straight-set wins yesterday with the top seed Barron made to work for his points against the accomplished Westwood player, Keith Buckley. Casey had a trouble-free match against Castleknock player, Daryl Singh and won with the loss of only two games.

Another interesting entrant in the men's singles is former junior champion John Doran, who is seeded four.

The women's singles title-holder, Gina Niland, got a walk-over from Sinead Walsh.