Pratt, Jeong make top-32 at British Am

BY Anthony Powter | World Amateur Mens Tour | 2010 British Amateur Championship | Matchplay Round Two | 17 Jun 2010

Kieran Pratt and Jin Jeong have made the top-32 of the match-play draw at the British Amateur being played at Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland.

Pratt accounted for Spain’s, Emilio Cuartero, 2-up in their second round match to set up a third round encounter with Japan’s Yuki Usami.

Usami is the 2009 Japanese Amateur Champion and in 2008 finished second at the World University Games. Currently ranked 175 in the world, Usami should prove a stern test for Pratt, ranked 14th in the world, and should Pratt claim the match he’ll set up a possible encounter with either Scotland’s, Michael Stewart or Ireland’s Paul Cutler.

Pratt remains confident with his game as he finds his way around the tough Muirfield layout.

“It was a bit of a scrap today, but managed to get it done,” said Pratt.

“I was 2-down early on and won 8 and 9 to get to square. Then my momentum started to kick in and I hit it to 2 feet on 13 for birdie to go 1-up. After that I won 16 with a par, lost 17 and then hit a 4 iron to 4 feet to win 2-up. I was glad to get the match under my belt on move forward, that’s for sure.”

This tournament is unfolding nicely for Pratt and he continues to improve with each round. Not contented to rest following today’s win, Pratt was later seen heading back to the range to work on his game.

“I’ve got some work to do on the range, but hopefully come out firing and put some heat on my opponent early tomorrow.”

Jin Jeong also has progressed to the top-32 after accounting for Finland’s, Toni Hakula, 2-up. Jeong will play Romain Wattel in the third round. Jeong as usual is going quietly about his business and is sneakily making his way through the field. The Waverley Club player certainly has a real chance to challenge in what is his first British Amateur and tour to the UK.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood, beaten finalist at Turnberry in the 2008 British Amateur Championship, and top seed in the match-play draw continues to press towards his first British Amateur title after accounting for Andrew Shakespear, 2&1. Fleetwood is considered by most here at Muirfield as the tournament favourite and with each round his game sharpens and his confidence builds. I tend to favour his chances along with Jeong.

New Zealand’s Ben Campbell unfortunately went down to Bolivia’s Sebastian Maclean, 2&1, in his second round match. Irrespective of the outcome, the New Zealander leaves Muirfield knowing that the overall experience of playing his first British Amateur was worth the effort.

“It didn’t go to plan today which was a bummer but that is golf,” said the 18-year-old Campbell.

“I was very happy with how I hit the ball. It would have been the best ball striking day I’ve had over here. I shot 1-under, but was not good enough to get the job done as my short game let me down a bit out there today. I’ve learnt some valuable lessons over here and have also learnt some new shots that will help me in the long run. I’ve really enjoyed playing over here and will take a lot from this experience.”

As for Pratt and Jeong, their championship continues and as we get to the business end of the British Amateur, both know they are in with a chance with only 32 players left remaining. Watch Jeong as he’s certainly has the form to win this event.

Pratt also should not be discounted, however, Japan’s Usami will be a formidable opponent.

“I plan to get off to a quick start tomorrow,” says Pratt.

“Hopefully, then I can get the job done like I managed today.”