Other golf news in brief

BRITISH BOYS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP:Michael Durcan overcame difficult wet conditions and two tough opponents at Little Aston yesterday to stride into the fourth round.

Out at breakfast for his second round match against England's Tommy King he was three under par in sweeping majestically to a 4 and 3 victory.

Then after a short break he was back on this tough tree-lined layout taking on senior Welsh international Ben Enoch.

There was rarely more than a hole between the players, but Durcan edged ahead at the 13th with a birdie and closed out the match at the 17th.

Durcan now faces England international Jake Shepherd.

Garth McGee also reached the last 32. He beat West Country golfer Chris Lloyd by 2 and 1 after again getting off to a bright start.

County Sligo's Barry Anderson finally met his match in Scotland's James Ross, who won 2 and 1.

EUROPEAN SENIORS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:Ireland's Adrian Morrow summed it up perfectly after his opening 76 on day one at Shannon Golf Club when he described the weather as the worst he has played in.

Having won the championship in Slovenia last year - Ireland, led by Irish and European Seniors champion Morrow - have given themselves a strong chance of making the top flight of matchplay.

It was England, however, who blitzed around the course, leading from Scotland in second and Ireland firmly routed in third spot.

Play was suspended with five groups left on the course.