Local favourite Anderson looking for redemption in the West
Former champion Barry Anderson (Cork) is back in the semi-finals of the Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship after a thrilling victory over reigning champion Keith Egan (Carton House).
The 34-year-old, who won this crown in 2017 but was beaten in the final two years ago, had to dig deep against Egan. An outstanding approach on the 18th paved the way for a birdie to send the match down 19, and he eventually advanced from the quarter-final after Egan almost chipped in.
'It's nice to get through a tight match like that,' said the Sligo native is now based in Cork.
'Keith is such a great competitor, tough to grind down, he's just so solid all round. It was a real tough game, to come out on the right side of it was brilliant.
'I put myself under pressure on 18 but managed to get a birdie then so that was a nice buzz going down the 19th. I was happy enough to even get that far.
'But this morning did more for my confidence, I played really well, I actually played almost flawless so I really took a lot of confidence from that.
'The whole way through the championship I kind of feel I am growing into it a bit more. Each competitive round I get under my belt I feel a bit more comfortable, so looking forward to tomorrow.
'This evening was brilliant, the weather really does make a difference, it's such a buzz playing in front of a big enough crowd, it's rare we get to do it. It makes all the practise worthwhile when you play well in front of the crowd.'
Anderson built the momentum during his impressive 5&4 victory over David Reddan (Castleknock) in the Last 16 and he will now go on to face debutant Dylan Holmes (Greystones) in the final four.
The 18-year-old, playing in his first championship at this level, secured a brilliant 1up win over experienced campaigner David Kitt (Athenry) in the Last 16.
Holmes was made to battle all the way by Jonathan Keane (Lahinch) in their quarter-final tie, and despite not taking the lead for 18 holes during their contest, he secured safe passage through to the final day of action down the 19th.
Returning professional, Stuart Grehan (County Louth) was the first player to book his place in the final four, thanks to a comprehensive 6&5 win over James Fox (Portmarnock).
Grehan had been taken up the 19th twice already this weekend, including when he narrowly defeated Robbie Cannon (Balbriggan) in the Last 16.
But the 32-year-old, who turned professional in 2017 and recently regained his amateur status, piled on the pressure early against Fox. He raced into a 6up lead at the turn and finished things off on the 13th.
Tomorrow morning, he will do battle with former Ireland teammate Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint). Campbell held his nerve and secured a 2&1 victory over Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock) in the last match to finish on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Brendan Lawlor began the defence of his ISPS Handa G4D at The West crown with a solid opening +1 round of 72.
The former G4D Open winner birdied the fifth but a double bogey on the eighth, meant he went out in 37. The Carton House man bounced back with a birdie on 12 but a bogey on 16 ensured he finished over par for his round.
He is clear of Alan Gaynor (County Sligo) on +9 and Aidan Grenham (Ballinasloe) three shots further in arrears. Paul O'Kelly (Portmarnock) and Cian Arthurs (Roganstown) complete the top five.
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