Kilpatrick's heroics take Ireland into final

Golf Digest: Ireland snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Western Gailes on the rugged Ayrshire coast last night to book a place in today's final of the European Amateur Team Championship against France.

And their last-gasp success against old rivals England could not have been more dramatic as throughout an absorbing afternoon, they always appeared to be playing catch-up golf.

But then emerged in fairytale style hero of the hour Bambridge's Richard Kilpatrick in his last season as an amateur.

The semi-final tie on a knife-edge at two matches apiece, Kilpatrick was one down with three to play to Gary Boyd.

Determined, however, to give Ireland a chance of a tilt at the title he produced an amazing 25 yard chip into the cup at the 16th to square the match. Then, after halves at the 17th, Boyd carved his drive at the last out of bounds while Kilpatrick was straight down the fairway.

From his second ball, however, Boyd hit a good drive and a magnificent approach to within 15 feet of the flag, while the Irishman pushed his second towards the clubhouse but fortunately hit a buggy and checked its course.

From the chip Kilpatrick's ball hit a greenside sprinkler which stopped it in its tracks and he was unable to hole from 25 feet, giving Boyd the chance to force the match into sudden death. Amid gasps from the crowd Boyd's putt rimmed the hole and stayed out - Ireland were through to the final.

US Seniors Open: Des Smyth shot a second round 69 to claim a share of second place as the early finishers completed their rounds in the US Seniors Open Championship at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin yesterday.

Smith, on 139 after a first round 70, trails early leader Tom Watson by three shots after the Ballybunion member fired a 66 to take the halfway lead on 136.

Smyth went to the turn in three-under-par 33 and despite three dropped shots on the home run, compensated with an eagle three at the 16th.

Challenge Tour: Michael Lorenzo-Vera saw his grip on the A.G.F. Allianz Open des Volcans - Challenge de France prised loose by a double bogey seven after he threatened to take a commanding lead into the third round of the Challenge Tour event at Golf des Volcans.

The 22-year-old Frenchman from Biarritz was in cruise control at six-under-par standing on the tee at the 15th, but spilled two strokes to the card and had to settle for a level par 71 and a one shot lead over New Zealand's Gareth Paddison.

Lorenzo-Vera, who finished on 138, four under par, and Paddison were the only players to finish another difficult day under par as the cut soared to seven over par - the second highest of the season on the Challenge Tour.

LET Tour: Karen Stupples, Becky Brewerton, Eleanor Pilgrim and Cecilia Ekelundh share the lead on three-under-par 141 with one round to play at the Ladies English Open, in association with Golf Punk.

Rebecca Coakley made the cut on 152 after a 79 but Martina Gillen and Clare Coughlan both missed out on 158.