Derek Ryan staged an extraordinary comeback against world number 15, Australian Byron Davis, to win his first round match in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Squash Open yesterday.

Having survived match ball in the fourth set the Dubliner found himself 9-1 down in the deciding game, but fought back to 12-14, before clinching the game (15-14) and the match with a superb back hand volley.

"I played very well at times, especially when I needed to at crucial points - I focused extremely well when I was down and never lost my concentration," he said.

Hong Kong Open: First round - D Ryan bt B Davis (Aus) 15-8, 13-15, 9-15, 15-14, 15-14.