Quarterfinals set for the weekend at The Amateur

After two days of stroke play, just eight players can keep their names in the pot as the weekend approaches Royal Birkdale. Ireland’s Mark Power is keeping title hopes alive for his countrymen as a win would give Ireland back-to-back Amateur titles. Defeating England’s Jack Dyer 2&1 in the morning session, Power met Germany’s Marc Hammer in a battle of forces. Power took a 3 up lead through seven holes when Hammer buckled down to get the match back to 1 up in Power’s favor through No. 15. Clinching the win with a birdie, Power now has a date with this year’s English Men’s Amateur runner-up, Callan Barrow, in the quarterfinals. “I feel like I am easing into it now,” Power told the R&A. “I have won every game 2&1 but every game is different and I feel like I am ready for any challenge.” Englishman Joe Harvey was quick to secure his spot in the quarterfinals after defeating fellow countryman Islam Habebul 5&4. “I was six up through 10,” Harvey said. “I played really solid on the front nine. Islam is a great golfer but he made a few mistakes early on and I capitalized.” Barrow, who faces Power on Saturday, advanced by way of knocking out one of the best amateurs in the world. Benjamin Schmidt (No. 49) picked up an ‘L’ as he was defeated 4&3 by Barrow. In the afternoon session, Barrow defeated Switzerland’s Loris Schuepbach 5&4 to set up a match against Power in the semifinals. Denmark’s Victor Svendsen played solidly to eliminate Callum Farr (England) 4&2 to match up with Joe Harvey. “It was a tough match,” Svendsen said. “I thought it was going to be a very short day because Callum played some really nice shots on the first couple of holes. I thought I could be in trouble and that I really needed to get myself together which I did. It was a good match; it was fun being out there and feeling my heart pumping.” In the lone match to go the full 18 in the afternoon, fellow Dane Hamish William Brown defeated Marc Boucher (Ireland). Saturday will see the remaining field cut from eight to just two as quarter and semifinal play will take place, making way for the 36-hole championship match on Sunday.