Runaway leading qualifier Ronan Mullarney from Galway is a stronger favourite than ever to capture the AIG Irish Close Championship at Ballybunion this week having needed only 28 holes to come through yesterday’s opening two match-play rounds.

A three-under-par 67 earned Fred Couples a two-shot victory at the British Senior Open Championship at Turnberry.

A six over par 77 for an aggregate of 225 at Slovenia’s Diners Club wrecked any chances Irish girls champion Jessica Carty had of surviving the 54 hole cut in the European Ladies Individual Amateur Championship.