Ulster amateur Williamson knocks out champ O’Keeffe to make last 16
HOLYWOOD’S Rory Williamson claimed the prize scalp of reigning Irish Amateur Champion, Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas), at the West of Ireland Championship yesterday.
The 20-year-old Williamson (right) edged out O’Keeffe by a single hole at Co Sligo GC to secure his place in the last 16 this morning.
Leading qualifier, Kyle McCarron (North West) continues to play some high-quality golf. The 2014 Irish Youths Champion finished the two rounds of strokeplay on five under par, pipping 2016 West Champion, Jonathan Yates (Naas), to the silver medal. McCarron beat Tandragee’s William Small in round one of the matchplay yesterday and then managed to edge out Irish international Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) by just one hole in round two to set up a meeting with Portmarnock’s Jack Pierse. Defending champion, Barry Anderson is still on course to retain his title. JOHN Isner claimed the biggest title of his 14-year career as he defeated Alexander Zverev in an absorbing Miami Open final.
Isner (right) followed Sloane Stephens’ victory to give the USA their first clean sweep at Key Biscayne since 2004 when Andy Roddick and Serena Williams swept to glory.
The 32-year-old sealed a stunning 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 comeback victory in two hours and 29 minutes to land his maiden Masters title.
“I couldn’t have scripted this. I came into this tournament, I won one ATP (World Tour) match all year and was playing very poorly,” Isner said. “I won my first match in three sets and that’s how tennis goes — you start to gain a little confidence and next thing you know things start to roll your way.” Isner will become the topranked American and move up to ninth in the world rankings today when the statistics are published. TYRONE are certainly making up for lost time in Division Two of the Lidl Ladies National Football League.
The Red Hands made a tame start to the competition but yesterday they pushed themselves strongly into the frame for a place in the semi-finals by beating Laois 4-12 to 2-8.
Maria Canavan (right) sparked Tyrone’s victory with two well-taken first-half goals before Aine Canavan chipped in with a third.
But there was disappointment for Armagh who narrowly lost 2-9 to 2-8 against Waterford. Meanwhile, Antrim turned in their finest performance in the competition to get the better of Down by 1-18 to 0-9 in Division One Section Two of the National Camogie League.
In the All-Ireland ‘B’ Colleges Hurling Final (Paddy Buggy Cup) Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore beat St Patrick’s College, Maghera by 0-17 to 0-13 after extra-time.