Richardson eyes up potential Eggo clash
THE reigning champion has no intention of relinquishing his Ravenscroft Guernsey Open Matchplay crown without a fight.
Former Ryder Cup star Steve Richardson started his title defence with a 3 & 2 win over island junior champion Ollie Chedhomme last night at La Grande Mare with a relentless display of quality ball striking that barely gave the youngster a look in.
In fairness, 14-year-old Chedhomme rose to the challenge impressively and obviously enjoyed the opportunity to play against such exalted opposition, even having the nerve to chip in at the 15th to extend the match just when Richardson thought the job was done.
After finally seeing off the youngster at the next hole, Richardson was full of praise for his opponent.
‘He played really well, just missed a couple of shots here and there but his short game was excellent, as he showed when chipping in. He is a really nice lad, too – a credit to Guernsey,’ Richardson said before evaluating his own game.
‘That was the best I have ever hit the ball around this course, but I only really holed one putt.
‘I want to play well this week and that was a tricky game. Ollie is a talented young guy and I enjoyed playing against him.’
The top seed now faces CJ Elmy today, although he already has an eye on his possible semi-final opponent.
‘I would like to play Bobby [Eggo] big time,’ Richardson said.
‘He beat me in the county championships then I beat him in the English final, so it would be round three,’ he added with a big smile.
RESULTS
Steve Richardson beat Ollie Chedhomme 3 & 2; CJ Elmy beat Rick Le Poidevin 4 & 3; Bobby Eggo beat Arthur Evans 1 up; Adam Chapman beat Dave Jeffery 2 & 1; Darren Leng beat Jamie Blondel 6 & 4; Jeremy Nicolle beat Rob Brown 4 & 3; Jack Mitchell beat Isaac Bate 5 & 3; Max Penney beat Daniel Griggs 2 & 1.
Today’s quarter-finals start at 5.20pm
More in Wednesday's Guernsey Press.
