SQUASH: Liam Kenny ended Derek Ryan's reign as Irish champion in convincing style yesterday, writes Ian O'Riordan. Ryan, top seed and ranked 33 in the world, had come to the Fitzwilliam Club with an eye on his sixth successive title and his eighth in total.

But Kenny, ranked 56 in the world and second seed for this competition, pulled off some excellent shots and handled everything that Ryan could throw at him, winning 3-1 (9-4, 4-9, 9-3, 9-3). Born in Australia, Kenny declared for Ireland early last year because his father, Martin, hails from Cork.

There was an equally convincing 3-1 (9-0, 5-9, 9-7, 9-0) win for Banbridge's Madeline Perry over Dublin's Louise Finnegan in the women's final.

BASKETBALL: Tralee's home victory over ESB Superleague leaders Waterford on Saturday has again opened up the title race.

Tralee trailed 39-32 at the half-way stage, but Rik Leonard then picked up his game, scoring 22 points in the 89-69 win.

Waterford still hold on to the narrowest of leads at the top of the table. Defending champions Killester are now up to second after their 105-82 win over Tolka Rovers on Friday night, while Tralee's result was enough to give them a share of the second place.