Slow movers under threat

All eight quarter-finalists in the Amateur Championship at Hoylake have been told they could be thrown out if they do not speed up. "The championship committee is not satisfied with the pace of play and has decided to put in place a pace-of-play condition," a statement said.

Games will be expected to finish in 3hr 57min, and if any player repeatedly breaks the time allowed for each shot he will lose the hole, be given a final warning and then be disqualified.

Considering the funereal pace, it is appropriate that one of the survivors - the Irish international Jody Fanagan - is an undertaker. The 29-year- old defeated the Scot, Alan Reid, at the first extra hole in the morning; then put out the English champion, Mark Foster, on the final green to reach the last eight.

Scores, Sporting Digest, page 39