Mixed Fortunes For Defending Champions In Galway

England's defending champions Millie Tomlinson and Robert Downer enjoyed mixed fortunes in the IACT Irish Junior U19 Open on their return to the European Squash Federation Junior Circuit event at Galway Lawn Tennis Club in Galway.

Second seed Millie Tomlinson made her breakthrough in the women's U19 event when she beat top-seeded Dutch opponent Milou van der Heijden in the semi-finals.

The 17-year-old from Derbyshire faced fellow countrywoman Carrie Ramsey, a 3/4 seed, in the final. But Tomlinson was too strong for the 18-year-old from Leeds, winning 11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9 to retain the trophy.

But Robert Downer was not as successful in the men's U19 event. Seeded to retain his 2008 title, the 17-year-old from Hampshire reached the final - where he faced second-seeded Englishman Nicholas Hopcroft.

Downer twice led in the match - but it was Hopcroft, 17 from Surrey, who ultimately prevailed, winning 5-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 12-10 to claim his first ESF Junior circuit trophy.

Men's Final:
[2] Nicholas Hopcroft (ENG) bt [1] Robert Downer (ENG) 5-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 12-10

Women's Final:
[2] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) bt [3/4] Carrie Ramsey (ENG) 11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9