THE battle for the men's singles title the Heineken sponsored-East of Ireland tennis championship promises some excellent matches well ahead of Saturday's final at the Lansdowne club.

A hint of what is on offer lies in the possible meeting of Davis Cup player John Doran and George McGill now that they have dismissed Peter Lowther and Kevin Loughnane respectively.

They are on course for a quarter final clash with Doran having first to account for Harry Henry and McGill for Stephen Taylor.

The Australian Chris Barkla has to deal with the challenge of Ronan Shanley before claiming a place in the last eight.

There is also the prospect of a thrilling women's quarter-final match between US-based players Yvonne Doyle, the top seed, and Deirdre Walsh. Claire Curran, the country's top under-18 player will meet a determined Yvonne Flynn to add spice to a rapidly developing scenario.