The Irish tennis public is in an expectant mood following the return to Ireland of ATP player Peter Clarke. The talented player will test his ability in this week's Irish Open Indoor Championships, sponsored by Pamela Scott, that got under way at Riverview last night.

Clarke (22) whose family emigrated to Sydney from Stillorgan when he was a seven-year-old has so far achieved more, internationally, than any other Irish player. Two satellite wins and a win over a player ranked 40 in the world, Filip de Wulf of Belgium earlier this year, makes him an exciting prospect for Ireland's Davis Cup team.

"I am delighted to be back and so are my parents. I can now use Dublin as a base to play the European circuit," he said . "There is a meeting arranged for me with Peter Wright, the Irish Davis Cup captain. "I am excited about this because playing for Ireland in top competition has always been my great ambition.

"The opportunity to play tennis at school in Australia was great, getting off early and brilliant weather," added Clarke.

Clarke, seeded number one, got a bye last evening but opens his bid against Fiachra Lennon this evening. "I prefer to play from the back of the court but like to get into the forecourt as well."

The Riverview courts should suit Clarke's style of play and he has been getting in plenty of practice on the surface with Scott Barron, the number two seed and defending champion.

But Owen Casey is poised to confound the seeding committee's decision and challenge Clarke for the title from the number three seeded spot.

George McGill, the Irish international, has had to opt out of the men's singles because of injury but he is replaced by the former Davis Cup player Mark Farren.