Scotland's top hope Gavin Dear beaten in first tie

Tommy Fleetwood through to

last 32 of British Amateur

FROM THE R&A WEBSITE

In dreadful conditions at Formby on the third day of the 2009 Amateur Championship, last year’s beaten finalist, Tommy Fleetwood, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, from Southport, has secured his passage through to the last 32 with a two-hole win over Italy’s Andrea Pavan.

Having gone one-up with a birdie at the par-5 third, Fleetwood (winner of the Scottish open amateur stroke-play championship at Murcar Links a couple of weeks ago) would retain the lead for the duration of the match.
“It was good enough,” said the 18-year-old. “I’ll have to improve if I want to win (the championship) but I feel like my best golf is still to come.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Matt Jager continues to impress, winning today’s match against Wales’ Rhys Enoch by 2 and 1.

Three up-and-downs on the first three holes left Jager two-up, a lead which he built upon to reach the turn with a four-hole advantage. Enoch rallied to reduce the deficit to one through 15, but a nine-iron to two feet at 16 and another birdie at 17 from Jager, ensured that it is the Australian who advances to tomorrow’s third round.
“My short game was good early on, I didn’t make a mistake on the front nine,” he explained. “After 14 I was a bit frustrated, but in that weather you’re bound to make mistakes. I wasn’t too concerned though as I was hitting the ball well.”
Joining Jager is Matteo Manassero, who continues to show the form that left him four shots clear of the field after the stroke-play stage.

The 16-year-old from Verona, Italy required only 13 holes to ensure a 6 and 5 victory and a place in the final 32 where he will face good friend and Italian team-mate, Joon Kim.

Though they know each other’s game well, the pair have never before met in a match-play situation, making for an enthralling third-round contest.