STEPHEN NUGENT and Brian Condren highlighted the Dunlop Irish Open junior tennis championships as the hugely competitive test it is at Fitzwilliam yesterday.

An energetic marathon saw both players relentlessly seek to break down each other's resistance with skill and resolve. A quarter final place in the intermediate singles was at stake and Nugent had to borrow on reserves in the second set to save two match points before going on to a 4-6 7-6 6-4 win.

Nugent. the second seed, is the latest member of the Kinsealy family to show exceptional promise but, he had a hard nut to crack in Condren.

James Colhoun, the number five seed got an even greater fright from Alan Darcy in a tense 35 game struggle. Colhoun finally survived 5-7 6-3 8-6.

Meanwhile. Gary Kilduff and Robert Cherry got through to the last eight in the boys' under 18 title race. Cherry having the toughest task against David Markev.

Claire Curran, the clear favourite for the girl's under 18 title, has yet to play in the event. as has her closest rival Susan O'Neill.