Last updated at 19:40, Thursday, 02 August 2012

England international Seb Crookall-Nixon roared into the quarter-final of the English Amateur Championship with a stunning five-and-three win over Adam Chapman.

TOP CUMBRIAN: Seb Crookall-Nixon tees off during the English Amateur Championship qualifying round at Seascale Golf Club on Monday

The 18-year-old is Cumbria’s only hope after Chapman, of Windermere, was unceremoniously dumped out by the Papcastle golfer.

Crookall-Nixon was one up after three holes, and doubled his advantage on the fifth.

He was three up and cruising after nine, and made sure of the win with another hole victory on the 12th.

Winning the 14th hole guaranteed his progression.

Not losing a single hole, Crookall-Nixon used his local knowledge, as a member of Silloth’s stunning links course, to outplay his opponent.

He said: “I would love to deliver a win on home soil in front of the home fans.

“I just need to take it one round at a time.

“I’m playing some beautiful golf.

“I just hope it continues for the rest of the week.”

Playing two rounds of matchplay yesterday, Crookall-Nixon also beat Sam Crenan two-and-one to set up today’s clash with England U16 international Harry Ellis.

Ellis, of Hampshire, also cruised through with a comprehensive six-and-five win over Tom Brown.

Crookall-Nixon has been one of the stars of the tournament – held at Silloth-on-Solway and Seascale – carding an impressive one-under-par during the first two rounds.

Scoring 71 at both courses, Crookall-Nixon was the fourth best qualifier for the knockout rounds.

Jordan Smith, who topped the charts after round two, is also into the last eight, and takes on Ben Taylor.

The winner could face Crookall-Nixon in the semi-final, which is also played today.

If the talented former Cockermouth School pupil does make tomorrow’s final, he will again play at Silloth.

Success in the tournament would see Crookall-Nixon become Cumbria’s first winner since Gary Lockerbie in 2003.

l Full English Amateur report and photographs – Page 19.

l Check www.timesandstar.co.uk for updates on today’s play.

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk