Sporting Digest: Golf

Richard Bland posted the winning score in the pre-qualifying tournament for the 1998 European Tour School final at St Cyprien, France, yesterday. The 25-year-old from Southampton completed his domination of the event with a closing 70 to add to his earlier pair of 66s for a magnificent 17-under-par total of 202, and victory by 10 shots.

Brian Watts will switch from the Japanese circuit to the US Tour next year. The American's second place finish behind Mark O'Meara at the British Open in July was a major reason for his decision.