Nicol set to show class

SQUASH: One of the greats of the sport of squash, Peter Nicol, arrives in Dublin this week for a series of exhibition matches…

SQUASH: One of the greats of the sport of squash, Peter Nicol, arrives in Dublin this week for a series of exhibition matches against some local players, including the Irish top two Liam Kenny and Derek Ryan who are preparing for the national championships which begin on Friday at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.

Nicol (31), who in 1998 became the first Briton to reach number one in the world rankings, ending Jansher Khan's 10-year grip on the top spot, has won the British and World Opens.

The Scot, who now represents England, will play one set against each of Fitzwilliam's top three at their home base tomorrow, starting at 7.30 p.m. before taking on Ryan, also at Fitzwilliam.

On Thursday he will take part in a "Beat the Pro" session with junior players at Sutton Lawn Tennis Club (5.30 p.m.) before he takes on Kenny.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times