Manchip retains PGA title

Neil Manchip, the Royal Dublin assistant, has retained the bi-annual PGA

Irish Assistants' Matchplay Championship title with a 2&1 win over Co

Sligo's David McQuillan at Royal County Down.

In the semi-finals, Manchip overcame Robin Symes by 2&1 while McQuillan got

a close call from local assistant Simon Thornton - the finalist winning on

the home green..

Edinburgh-born Manchip made a superb start in the final by winning four holes

in a row from the 3rd and he turned five-up, being one-under-par, before

McQuillan made his comeback bid.

He won the short 10th hole that was conceded by Manchip and he took the long

12th with a birdie to close the gap to three.

The charge continued as Manchip was forced to concede the 13th where he lost a ball. However, the 14th hole was vital as Manchip halted the slide with a winning par three when McQuillian was in trouble..

Still, the loser fought back again to birdie the par four 16th with a one

iron off the tee and a pitch and putt but the best he could do was halve the

17th - which gave Manchip the title once again.

PGA IRISH ASSISTANTS' CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROYAL COUNTY DOWN:

Semi-finals - N Manchip (Royal Dublin) bt R Symes (Royal Belfast) 2&1; D

McQuillan (Co Sligo) bt S Thornton (Royal County Down) one hole.

Final - Manchip bt McQuillan 2&1.