IRELAND’S AINE DONEGAN has reached the last 32 of Women’s Amateur Championship.
Aine Donegan eliminated the leading qualifier Ragnhildur Kristinsdóttir 👏
— The R&A (@RandA) June 9, 2021
Recap all the drama from #TheWomensAmateur as 64 players became 32 🥊 https://t.co/aIxWoXbDlW pic.twitter.com/Slo6Qv8zrh
On a good day for the Irish contingent, the Lahinch golfer eliminated leading qualifier Ragnhildur Kristinsdottir to prevail at the Scottish links.
Having only advanced to the match play stage on card countback (she was 64th and the last competitor to do so), Donegan hit her opening tee shot today out of bounds, but rallied brilliantly from there to record a 4&3 victory at Kilmarnock (Barassie).
“The top qualifier is under all the pressure and everyone expects them to go on and win or get quite far,” Donegan said, as quoted by RTÉ Sport.
“I spoke to my coach last night on the phone and he said just go out and play, don’t let your mind go racing, just stay calm and comfortable, and thankfully I did that, so I’m delighted now.”
One of six Irishwomen to advance to Thursday’s second round of match play, Donegan’s opponent in the last 32 is Scotland’s Shannon McWilliam, who sealed a 4&3 win over Wales’ Jordan Ryan.
Beth Coulter, Aine Donegan, Kate Lanigan, Canice Screen, Sara Byrne and Rebekah Gardner have all progressed to the round of 32 at the Women's Amateur☘️
— Golf Ireland (@GolfIreland_) June 9, 2021
SCORING: https://t.co/bxxHQFuBYn https://t.co/v1imyRkMlq
Sara Byrne, Canice Screene, Rebekah Gardner, Beth Coulter and Kate Lanigan also progressed, with Paula Grant the lone Irish casualty.
Meanwhile, 2019 champion Emily Toy needed 19 holes to edge past fellow Englishwoman Clara Young, while Scotland’s Hazel MacGarvie and Iceland’s Johanna Lea Ludviksdottir also triumphed.
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