British Senior Amateur: Simson looking for repeat

SCOTLAND, (Aug. 8, 2007)-- Paul Simson showed his determination to defend his British Seniors Open Amateur title with a fine opening round of 68 at Nairn Dunbar in his bid to stretch American successes in the championship to eight victories in nine years. Last year at Saunton he had a five-shot winning margin over two fellow Americans, John Baldwin, the 2002 champion, and Rick Woulfe, but today he trailed Arthur Pierse of Tipperary and Chris Reynolds of Littlestone by a shot as they set the pace with rounds of 67 at Nairn. Graham Cooke of Canada, American Erik Myrmo and Miguel Preysler from Spain all returned rounds of 70 at Nairn and at Nairn Dunbar Simson'sclosest challenge was a 71 from another American, James Myers, followed by Douglas Arnold of Copthorne with a 72. The field of 252 play one round over Nairn and one at Nairn Dunbar before the leading 50 and ties play a further 18 holes on Friday at Nairn.