TUESDAY, 12.30PM:
SOUTH African Jaco Olver advanced to the second round of the British Amateur championship at Muirfield on Wednesday, beating Scottish golfer Wilson Bryson in a thrilling come-from-behind victory.
The big-hitting Wanderers amateur was three down with five to play, but ended up taking four holes without loss to go to the 18th one-up. Olver then lost the 18th to Bryson, making it all-square.
The Scot then three-putted on the extra hole, giving Olver the win and his ticket to the second round.
Trevor Immelman, the SA strokeplay champion, also advanced to the second round of the competition on Wednesday. Immelman, who came second in the British Amateur last year, beat American Randolph Haag 3 and 2.
Robbie Oosthuizen of Strand lost to Spaniard Rafael Vera 3 and 2 on Wednesday, while another Wanderers player, Ulrich van der Berg, lost on the 19th to Swede Peter Hanson.
SPORT BRIEFS
IMMELAMN INTO QUARTER-FINALS
SOUTH AFRICAN Trevor Immelman has progressed to the quarter finals of the British Amateur championship at Muirfield in Scotland, beating local player James Bunch. Immelman was two-down against the Scot after four holes, but birdied three of the next five to be all-square on the turn. Immelman settled the affair with a “gimme” birdie at the par-five 17th, after hitting a superb 60 metre bump-and-run approach to lie within 30cm from the flag.
HONIBALL OUT OF FIRST TEST
SPRINGBOK flyhalf Henry Honiball will miss the first Test against Ireland in Bloemfontein next Saturday. Griqualand West wunderkind Gaffie du Toit is expected to play in his place.
SANDERS IN SIX
CORRIE SANDERS, South African WBU heavyweight champion, has been tipped to beat challenger Bobby Czyz in six rounds when they meet on Friday June 12 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Sanders was given the boost by American trainer Jim McLoughlin, who said: “I can’t see Czyz winning. Czyz is not a heavyweight, I’d say he’s a blown-up middleweight. Sanders will be too quick and too strong for him.”
SCOT AND KIWI TO WP
WESTERN PROVINCE is going cosmopolitan with a spate of new appointments. Canterbury B coach, New Zealander Adrian Kennedy will be Western Province coach Alan Solomons’ assistant for the Currie Cup competition. Scotsman Phil Mack will join Province on September 1 as the new fitness and conditioning expert.
NO PLACE FOR SMALL
JAMES SMALL will not be re-hired by Western Province said WP coach Alan Solomons on Thursday. “Small’s World Cup contract expires at the end of August and I have informed him that I have no intention of re-contractng him.” Solomon’s said.
BAFANA NOT BOOKIES’ FAVOURITES
BAFANA BAFANA have been quoted at 150-1 to win the World Cup by bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill. Fellow Group C team Saudi Arabia are given odds of 250-1 and 400-1, while Denmark are quoted at 66-1 and 80-1. France are second favourites to win the title, with Brazil the favourites.
FERREIRA FOR WIMBLEDON
WAYNE Ferreira will play at Wimbledon this year. The ankle he injured at Roland Garros is reacting well to treatment and Ferreira will be ready for the tournament.