British Amateur: Guerrier is France's Second Champ

SANDWICH, ENGLAND (June 14, 2006) -- Julien Guerrier became only the second French player, and the first for 25 years, to win the Amateur Championship, pulling away to a 4 and 3 victory over England's Adam Gee in the 36-hole final at Royal St George's. The only previous French success came when Philippe Ploujoux beat Joel Hirsch of the United States at St Andrews in 1981. "This is a dream for me," said Guerrier. When reminded that his victory gave him automatic entry into next month's Open he added: "I can't wait to get to Hoylake. I played it in the Boys Championship and it was very tough. I didn't do too well but hope to play better this time." Gee commented: I didn't play as well as I can, to be honest. I'm very disappointed. When you're playing you can't afford to think about getting a place in The Open and the Masters." Guerrier started the second round with a one hole advantage but was pegged back when Gee holed a 25-foot birdie putt at the fifth. The Frenchman then romped away, starting with an iron approach to the 532-yard seventh that left him with an eagle putt of nore more than two feet and winning the eighth, ninth and 10th, where Gee was short in two and then three-puuted. Guerrier faltered at the 11th where he took two shots in a bunker and the 12th where he drove into rough, but reclaimed a three-hole lead when Gee was himself bunkered at the next. The long 14th was halved in birdies and a solid par was enough to win the 15th and the match. For a complete qualifying and match play recap, click on the tournament link above.