Golf: Dyson edges closer to Walker Cup place

SIMON DYSON secured a place in today's English Amateur final at the expense of his Yorkshire team-mate and friend Jonathan Lupton at sweltering St Mellion. Having edged past Cornwall's Philip Rowe in the morning quarter- finals by one hole, Dyson completed a 2 and 1 victory over Lupton and is now on the verge of becoming English champion.

More importantly, his success this week is likely to secure him a Walker Cup place for the match against the Americans at Nairn in September.

"I'm desperate to get into the Walker Cup," said the 21-year-old from Leeds. Even if he loses today he has made the selectors take notice before the team is announced next week.

Dyson looks like meeting Surrey's Paul Casey, who was two up on Jamie Elson after 12 holes in the other semi-final. An eagle three at the 505- yard seventh put Casey two up while a birdie three at the 10th increased his advantage. However, a bogey four at the short 11th took him back to two up but he still looked in control.

Craig Heap aims to become the first player from East Kilbride to win the Scottish Amateur Championship today. The 23-year-old secured his place in the 36-hole finale against Mark Loftus of Cowglen at Cruden Bay with a 3 and 2 win over Steven Wallace of Prestwick St Cuthbert.