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The Moon was shining over Frilford Heath in round three of the English Amateur Championship supported by abacus. But it wasn't from up above, it was Dominic Moon, who reached the quarter finals with an astonishing victory when all seemed lost. The 21 year old from Rotherham found himself 4-down after seven holes to Andrew Devonport and 2-down with three to play. But he came roaring back to take the closing three holes and win on the final green. "I played shocking over the front nine," said Moon. "But I birdied the 16th from four feet, had a good up-and-down to win the 17th and parred 18 which was enough as Andrew three-putted. "This feels good as Yorkshire dropped me for this weekend's match but getting this far means I haven't packed enough shirts. Some of the family will have to bring some down for me." Nathan Kimsey, a semi-finalist last year at Silloth-on-Solway, needed an extra hole to get through in the afternoon after a completely different victory before lunch. After a 5 and 4 win over Tom Ibbertson, the Lincolnshire lad was made to battle by Nick Marsh before edging through with a birdie on the 19th. "I was never up against Nick and the way he played on the front nine, I couldn't see how I could win," said Kimsey. "Apart from the eighth hole, he didn't miss a shot. I was 1 down at the turn, got level at ten then the lead changed hands several times on the back nine." A Marsh bogey at 17 left the pair all square again then Kimsey had the chance to win on the final green but his 15-foot birdie putt edged past. Then on the 19th, Marsh's approach spun back down a slope and his putt burned the hole which left the door open for Kimsey to hole his winning putt from 18 feet. Modestly, Marsh commented: "I lost to the better player," but the truth was there was little to choose between the two internationals. Kimsey now faces Matthew Fitzpatrick, who didn't go past the 14th hole in either of his contests to reach the last eight. He beat Richard Mansell 5 and 4 then demolished fellow Yorkshireman Jamie Bower 7 and 5. "I've had a nice day and I played much better than yesterday," he said, which was a bit of an understatement. After his second victory, Fitzpatrick has another bonus when he learned that his younger brother Alex had fired 66 in the Douglas Johns Trophy at Harewood Downs. Josh Carpenter also reached the quarter finals with a 5 and 4 win over Paul Lockwood which followed a 3 and 1 success over Ashley Watkins. For Carpenter, the victory over Lockwood was one of his best victories. The 20 year old from Worcestershire was 2-up at the turn and increased that on the 11th when Lockwood three-putted. Then birdies at 12 and 14 sealed his success. "I lost in the first round at Silloth last year but my aim this time is not to give anyone holes," he said. Tomasz Anderson is a name unfamiliar to many who study the amateur game. He is probably better known across the Atlantic as a student at Jacksonville State where he is No.1 on their team. After a morning 6 and 5 success over Martin Young from Hampshire, Anderson also needed an extra hole to get past Ryan Evans, winner of two significant titles in the past month. Anderson was 2-up at the turn but Evans eagled the tenth and a par at 11 was enough to see the Wellingborough man on level terms. Evans edged in front when Anderson took three putts on 13 but again Anderson levelled and should have won it on the last. But he left his putt short from the back of the green. Down the 19th, Evans hit his drive behind a tree, could only chip out and eventually took bogey while a solid par was enough to see Anderson through. "I have been at Jacksonville for two years and have won three times over there," said Anderson, whose Christian name comes from his Polish mother. The 21 year old, who lives in Welwyn Garden City and plays out of Brocket Hall, is looking to the PGA Tour after he graduates. For full scores and more information visit the championship website. Press Office England Golf pr@englandgolf.org 01526 354500 |
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