Lerda Wins Argentine Am

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTING (Nov. 21, 2010) -- Julián Lerda, a 15 year old from Saint Thomas, took down the reigning South American champion, Tomás Cocha 8 and 6 in the 36-hole final match for the Argentina Amateur Championship. Lerda got off to an hot start going 5 up in the first nine holes. By the end of the morning 18 lerda still had a commanding lead at 4 up. With consecutive wins with birdies on the 24th and 25th holes, Lerda would regain the 5 up margin going into the final. By then it was too late for Cocha. He lost the first three holes on the back nine with sealed the victory for the 15-year old Lerda, the youngest player to win the championship. Lerda got to the finals by defeating Ignacio Longobardi 5 and 4, Manuel Arzuaga 1 up, Robin Kind of the Netherlands 3 and 1, Santiago Bauni 3 and 1 and Espen Kofstad of Norway 3 and 1.