Heartache for Gary Hurley at Spanish Amateur Championship

Irish International Gary Hurley suffered heartache in the final of the Spanish Amateur Championship at Jerez yesterday, falling short in the final by the narrowest of margins.

The West Waterford star, who three days earlier had helped Ireland to the European Nations title, lost on the home green in the 36-hole final to Netherlands ace Jeroen Krietenmeuer.

Hurley had upset the odds to overcome England’s double European champion Ashley Chesters by 3&2 in the semi-finals. Hurley appeared to be on course for the title when he was two up with three to play in the decider - but the Dutchman produced a birdie and an eagle to square the match and then the Irishman failed to make par at the last.

In the Spanish Ladies Championship, Maria Dunne of Skerries lost in the quarter-finals, beaten 7&5 by Sweden’s Linnea Strom.