Blow for Ulster’s bid as McKeown chooses practice over inter-pros

JORDAN McKeown has withdrawn from the Ulster team bidding to lift the senior inter-provincial crown for the first time since 1982 over the next two days at Windsor.

The 18-year-old Ulster Senior Open champion ( right) has instead opted to travel to Spain to practice ahead of the rest of the season as he targets a first-ever national junior title in Dublin.

However, Karola Bejenaru, who was a doubtful starter, will take part in the tournament on her home courts.

The 21-year-old Romanian will be heading to Holland for a $15,000 tournament on Sunday but after considering pulling out, has reconsidered, much to the delight of coach Stuart McQuitty.

He said: “It’s a fantastic boost for us that Karola is available but, while it’s disappointing Jordan has withdrawn, we understand and respect his reasons.”

“We still have a strong line-up and we are confident we can lift the title after being joint second last year.”

Tournament schedule: Today: Ulster v Connacht (3pm). Tomorrow: Ulster v Munster (9am), Ulster v Leinster (3pm). WIMBLEDON champion Novak Djokovic saw his bid for a fifth Rogers Cup triumph ended by a shock third-round defeat at the hands of Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas in Toronto.

Tsitipas, who turns 20 on Sunday, beat the 13time Grand Slam champion( right ) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 in two hours 18 minutes.

The World No.27 is through to the first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 quarter-final of his career.

Kevin Anderson and Grigor Dimitrov are also through to the last eight.

South Africa’s Anderson, who