MICHAEL STEWART BEATEN IN FIRST USA TIE

Michael Stewart, bidding to follow in the foosteps of compatriot Richie Ramsay who won the title in 2006, was beaten in his first match-play tie of the United States amateur championship at Erin Hills, Wisconsin. Stewart lost by 5 and 3 to Justin Thomas from Kentucky. Stewart was still in the match with a chance at the turn, when play was suspended on Wednesday evening because of darkness. When the tie was resumed on Thursday morning, Thomas quickly polished off the young man from Troon Welbeck who reached the final of the British amateur championship this year. Thomas now plays another member of the GB and I team for next month's Walker Cup match at Royal Aberdeen - Jack Senior (Heysham) who had a 6 and 4 first-round win over Corbin Mills (South Carolina). The other Walker Cup team member who was one of the 64 qualifiers for the match-play stages, St Andrews Trophy winner Tom Lewis (Welwyn Garden City) won by one hole against Kevin Penner (Washington).