TOP seed Eoin Collins had to delve deep into his arsenal of shots after losing a middle set tie break to fend off the serious challenge of Canadian David Critchley in a tense quarter final of the Carlsberg Irish Close championship at Donnybrook last evening.
Davis Cup player John Doran enhanced his claim for the title by showing suitably relaxed form against Jonathan Stott. He took only 56 minutes to dispatch his opponent for the loss of three second set games.
But the chance of a clash of brothers in tonight's semi final were ruled out with the surprising defeat of Robert Collins, seeded third, by the number five seed George McGill. He ousted Collins 6-4 7-5.
Gina Niland earned a welcome ticket into tomorrow's women's decider by beating Jenny O'Brien in straight sets. Niland's consistency and shot selection were the key factors.
Yvonne Doyle, a predictable finalist every time she returns from San Diego University, where she is on scholarship, adopted a winning strategy against the hard hilling Lesley O'Halloran and reeled off the six games of the final set.
