Hillier survives scare at Russley

A final match between two former New Zealand men’s amateur champions remains on track at Christchurch’s Russley Golf Club this weekend.

New Zealand’s No 2-ranked golfer Daniel Hillier scraped through his last-16 match on the 19th hole against Canterbury’s Dominic Brettkelly who put in a mammoth effort yesterday in front of his home crowd.

Brettkelly earlier went to the 23rd hole to beat another Canterbury player Scott Manyweathers in the round of 32 and looked to be in control against Hillier, one-up heading down the 18th at Russley.

Hillier, New Zealand’s top finisher at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last weekend, finished strongly to end Brettkelly’s run, and will face another AAC competitor Mark Hutson in the quarterfinals today.

The youngest NZ amateur winner at age 17 in 2015, Hillier could still face defending champion Louis Dobbelaar of Australia who lurks on the other side of the draw after beating national under-19 champion Mako Thompson of Hawke’s Bay, 3 and 2.

Top qualifier Scott Hellier, the Southlander who shot a course record 60 on Thursday, bowed out in the first round to Canterbury youngster Tom Parker, who was 32nd and final qualifier.

In the women’s competition, both top seeds bowed out to leave the race wide open.

Big local hope Juliana Hung, who dominated 36-hole qualifying five shots clear of the rest, was upset by Rose Zheng 2 and 1 in the round of 16.

New Zealand international Chantelle Cassidy, second in qualifying, also fell in the last-16, beaten by Australian Jade Shellback on the 19th. Silvia Brunotti made an outstanding comeback as the 14-year-old won her last four holes to advance to the weekend, beating Fuuka Higashi one-up.

Amelia Garvey and Caryn Khoo look two of the toughest contenders and are seeded to meet in tomorrow’s final.