Harwood gives champ Blondel a real fright
THE champion’s title defence is still on course – but only just.
Danny Blondel was given an almighty scare by Wayne Harwood at L’Ancresse last night with the underdog so unlucky not to take the top seed down extra holes.
In fact, the only time Blondel led the match after the turn, which they reached all square, was when his 20ft birdie putt on the 18th green dropped into the hole.
Even the champion himself knew that it was a particularly cruel blow to inflict on Harwood, whose own putt for a two on the last from in excess of 50ft very nearly found its target, and the handshake from Blondel was an apologetic one as much as anything.
Although the same opponent had beaten Blondel only four days prior in the Hampshire Sevens, playing in the Island Championship quarter-finals off scratch against the best player in the island on current standings is a totally different kettle of fish.
Harwood must have soon felt like he was staring down the barrel when the champion started impressively and moved 2 up inside five holes, but a birdie at the seventh and then a three-putt from Blondel on the eighth quickly got the LGM man back on level terms and, crucially, it was clear from his demeanour that he was thoroughly enjoying the challenge.
Blondel, on the other hand, started to get a little bit ragged by his own high standards and he lost both the 10th and 13th holes with bogeys, although his chip on 12 to a couple of feet to win the hole ensured he was never more than 1 down.
It was obvious, though, that he had to keep producing special shots to win holes because Harwood was not giving him an inch.
A brilliant approach to within 6ft at the 16th got the champion back on level terms, but Harwood was desperately unfortunate to lip out for a three on 17 and then came that cruel blow on 18.
Blondel breathed a sigh of relief and uttered, ‘I think I was due one’ referring to finally seeing a putt drop.
He now faces Danny Bisson, a 3 & 2 winner over Mark Allez yesterday, in today’s first semi-final while the second has another Blondel in it as Jamie ended Dave Nicolle’s fine week with a 3 & 1 win.
The 2014 champion will face Daniel Griggs, who scrambled well to overcome Wayne Moore, who struck the ball nicely but did not hole important putts, 2 & 1.
The semi-finals begin at 4.50pm and are followed on course by the Island Junior Championship semi-finals.
