Garth McGimpsey's effort to extend his record five wins in this championship came a cropper at Royal Portrush yesterday. McGimpsey was tossed quickly out of the competition in the second round of matchplay by teenager Gareth Maybin, from Ballyclare.
Maybin carved out a 4 and 2 win over the former Walker Cup star having held control throughout a rather one-sided match. The young pretender won the second hole with birdie four and had marched to four up by the turn. He then secured two vital halves at the 10th and 11th, holing putts of 10 feet and 12 feet for par.
Leading qualifier Andrew McCormick had little trouble in speeding through the opening two rounds with an 8 and 7 whitewash of Gavin Higgins in the opening round, and then dismissed Randal Evans by 4 and 3.
There were mixed fortunes for a couple of likely lads from the home club. Ricky Elliott remains in the competition, but out of the race is Chris Brown. Brown's hopes were squashed by Co Sligo teenager Sean McTernan, who made it through to the third round by 2 and 1.
National champion Graeme McDowell is aiming for his fourth championship win in five weeks having already landed the Irish Close title plus the Irish and Leinster Youth crowns.
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