Golf: Marshall now favourite in Midlothian Championship

BABERTON'S Karen Marshall is the top seed for this weekend's Midlothian Women's Championship at Kingsknowe after leading qualifier Rachael Watton was unable to take up her spot in the 16-strong line-up.

The Mortonhall player, who pipped Marshall for the Robertson Salver with a better inward half after they both finished on 141 in the 36-hole qualifying, was already committed to playing in the Welsh Open Stroke Play Championship tomorrow and Sunday.

First out at Kingsknowe, Scottish international Watton carded a one-under-par 71, which was then matched by Marshall, Broomieknowe's Kate McIntosh and Kate Rorke of the host club. Watton and Marshall added afternoon 71s to finish three shots ahead of rising star McIntosh, with her clubmate Wendy Nicholson two shots further back in fourth place and Rorke next on 148. Louise Fraser, another of the Kingsknowe players in the field, looked to be struggling to make the matchplay phase after a disappointing 81 in the morning. But, showing grit and determination, she bounced back with a 71 in the afternoon to set up a first-round clash tomorrow against Craigmillar Park's Sal Shepherd.

First-round draw: K Marsall (Baberton) v G Glen (Craigmillar Park); N Fenton (Dunbar) v L Caine (Dunbar); C Hargan (Strathmore) v H Scott (Broomieknowe); L Bain (Lochend) v K Rorke (Kingsknowe); W Nicholson (Broomieknowe) v K Blackwood (Glencorse); S Shepherd (Craigmillar Park) v L Fraser (Kingsknowe); A McGarty (Harburn) v T Laughland (Mortonhall); S Stichbury (Merchants) v K McIntosh (Broomieknowe).