Parkman is king at L'Ancresse

MATTHEW PARKMAN will be a thorn in Guernsey golfers' sides for many years to come. That was the clear message the supremely talented 21-year-old sent out yesterday as he won the CI Championship at the first time of asking with a thoroughly convincing 7 and 6 win over Guernsey champion Nigel Vaudin at L'Ancresse.

Parkman admitted that he could not have played much better on the day.

'That was pretty much on the limit,' he said.

'I did not feel the pressure but because it is the CI final you do feel the atmosphere out there.

'I have only got to play over here a couple of times before and I love it - the course is quality.'

Vaudin, still his typically good-humoured self despite the defeat, paid tribute to the youngster.

'He gives the ball a good whack and usually puts it in the right spot.'

Parkman arguably won the match with a sensational finish to the morning round.

Blows were exchanged early on as the Jerseyman initially took the lead only for Vaudin to level before going ahead by winning the 10th, but Parkman responded immediately on 11.

Things remained all square until the Royal Jersey member won three of the last four holes of the opening 18 - the 15th, 16th and last.

'Finishing birdie, par, birdie was really where it turned in my favour. I also did it when I played Brett Allen in the Jersey final,' he said.

He kept the momentum going with a birdie three at the first in the afternoon round, sinking a 20-footer, and Vaudin suddenly found himself four down.

Chances to narrow the gap were not taken at the next couple of holes.

'At the second I three- putted for a half and missed a birdie putt on the third. After that I struggled a lot,' Vaudin said.

In fairness, though, it would have taken a superhuman effort to beat Parkman in that mood.

He won the sixth with a four and although he lost the eighth, he soon restored a five-hole lead as Vaudin's wayward tee-shot on nine saw him concede before his opponent had even played his second.

Pars on 11 and 12 were good enough for Parkman to win the holes and wrap up the title.

'Looking on this trophy, some of the names are just huge in CI golf and to be part of this now is just awesome,' said a beaming

champion.

Vaudin was philosophical. 'It is a little bit disappointing because this morning I felt I was playing well, but looking on the bright side there are a lot of people who would have liked to have been playing in this final today and I enjoyed being in it,' he said.