McKenna third in Newport

Mary McKenna finished third in the Senior Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at Newport, South Wales yesterday.

The Irish veteran battled bravely but ended up with a 54-hole aggregate of 229 - 10 over par - after rounds of 78, 74 and 77. That was three strokes adrift of Eva Ansgarius who held off a late challenge from fellow Swede Viveca Hoff to retain her title by a stroke.

Valerie Hassett, Ennis, who won the crown in 1996, finished strongly with a 74 to add to her 81 and 84 but she could only occupy joint 14th on 239. Denise Parker was in joint 29th on 245 whileRoma English was on 247, in joint 36th.