Kris Nicol marches into matchplay stages

Kris Nicol led a group of eight Scots into the matchplay stages of the South African Amateur Championship at Vaal de Grace yesterday.

The Fraserburgh golfer made the most of his early tee-time and carded two eagles in a four-under 68 for a ten-under 134.

Nicol finished in second place, two shots behind Brandon Stone, who led the 64 qualifiers with a 132. Nicol said: "The greens are very soft and playing in the afternoon is a challenge due to the traffic."

Kirkhill's Paul Shields cut ten shots off his opening round with a 65 to qualify on 140 while Michael Stewart joined him on 142 after a 70.

David Law qualified on 143 alongside fellow Scots Ross Kellett, Scott Gibson, Jordan Findlay and Greg Paterson.