Top seeds fall at Australian Amateur

SOUTH OAKLEY, VICTORIA, Australia (Jan. 17, 2013) -- Top seeds fell on a sizzling first day of Match Play action at the Australian Men’s Amateur Championship as temperatures soared in Melbourne. Number 1 seed Brady Watt (WA) lost 5&3 to Anthony Houston (VIC) while Number 2 seed Todd Sinnott (VIC) lost to England’s Neil Raymond 4&3. Houston will now play Commonwealth Golf Club and National Squad member Geoff Drakeford in the second round. Fellow National Squad member Cameron Smith (QLD) endured a tough battle with fellow Queenslander Kade McBride and won on the 19th hole. Anthony Murdaca (SA) defeated Ryan Laird (VIC) to progress to the second round where he’ll face Viraat Badhwar (QLD). Ryan Ruffels, son of tennis great Ray, defeated Jarryd Felton to make it through to Round 2. The second and third round Match Play will be played on Friday.