No Scots left in last 16 of British women's open amateur championship at Hillside

NEWS RELEASE FROM R AND A
The three leading qualifiers from the stroke-play stage of the 115th Ladies’ Amateur Championship were knocked out in the first round of match- play at Hillside Golf Club today.

Elin Esborn, who was the official leading qualifier on countback after she finished on one-under-par alongside Esther Henseliet and Elodie Chapelet, suffered a two-hole loss to Germany’s Ava Bergner. The German then went on to defeat Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup player Annabel Fuller 3 and 2 in the second round.

Henseleit, who lost out to Finland’s Anna Backman by one hole, and Chapelet, defeated by Aline Krauter (2 holes), also departed the championship after the first round of match-play.

Hollie Muse, pictured left,  heroically came through an all-England match with the 2017 Girls Amateur champion and Curtis Cup player, Lily May Humphreys despite suffering a painful groin injury on Wednesday.
The Liverpool golfer limped through both her first (Hannah Screen 3 and 2) and second- round matches to progress to Friday's last 16.

The 2016 Girls Amateur Champion Emile Alba Paltrinieri from Italy is looking to add the Ladies’ Amateur title to her record after defeating Scottish champon Gemma Batty (West Linton) 5 and 4 to book her place in the third round.
The 16-year-old knocked Ana Ruiz from Mexico in the morning session winning by 2 holes.

Ruiz’s team-mate Isabella Fierro came from four down with five to play to beat Sweden’s Maja Stark on the 19th hole in the first round. The 17-year-old then went on to defeat Spain’s Laura Maria Gomez Ruiz to set up a third-round tie with Alessio Nobilio, who edged out GB and I Curtis Cup player Olivia Mehaffey by 1 hole.

Hannah McCook from Grantown on Spey and Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) lost in the first round of the match-play
Wales' Bethan Morris, lost at the 20th to P Schmid from Switzerland in the last Round 2 match to finish - after 8pm - on the opening match-play day.
The only English player to make it through to the last 16, apart from Hollie Muse, is Georgina Blackman from Chelmsford.

 

Key Quotes:
Ava Berger, Germany

“It was nice being the first one on the tee this morning and I started really strong with two birdies on the first two holes. I would say my entire day was pretty solid, I didn’t lose any balls and didn’t make any stupid mistakes. I made a lot of putts and had fun out there, so it was a good day.

“I just really played shot-by-shot out there and did my best so either way is fine but then winning is even more satisfying. I’m really surprised that the weather is this good. We’re all really happy to be here even more since the conditions are this great, we like the course and we’re having fun.”

Holly Muse, England

“It’s just been amazing and to be honest I’ve had an injury since yesterday which I got on the first hole. I fell on some uneven ground and my leg gave way. I’ve sprained my groin, it’s agony but I said to myself I’m not going to stop until it breaks. I’m in it to win it and I just want to keep pushing myself so I was quite happy with my wins today. The injury in a way helped me to play within myself a bit more and made me think about my shots a lot better so I’m grateful for it in a way.

“It’s amazing to actually sleep in my own bed, and I’ve been in America for nine months (where she attends Datona State College), but it’s nice to stay with my family at home. My club is only down the road, and they’ve come to support me which is amazing.”
Emilie Alba Paltrinieri, Italy
“I’m really happy with my game and I’m confident for tomorrow. I can’t wait to start some new matches.
“I think my short game was strong, I didn’t give my opponent any chances to win the holes so I made a lot of pars and birdies along the way.

“It’s different from what I’m used to playing, but I really like it because you need to visualise the shots a lot more. The course really helps you to hit great shots, it’s nice. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and play as best as I can.”

Isabella Fierro, Mexico

“It feels great to win my first two matches in the event. We have the best players in the world so I’m feeling great right now. I think the key for tomorrow is to just stay relaxed and patient and play hole-by-hole.

“I think the key was, if I was losing a hole or if I made a bad shot, I was to just forget it, stay positive and smile all the time. Today I hit the ball well.

“It feels like home (in the sunshine). Everyone keeps telling me that this is so hot but for me it’s perfect right now. I think the last time I played on a links course was when I was seven years old in Scotland, it was cold and windy and raining like it’s supposed to be now