Teenaged golfer Alex Osborne advanced to the second round of the Bermuda Amateur Match Play Championships after defeating USA rival Gray Yancey four and three at Mid Ocean yesterday.

The young Bermudian golfer, currently enrolled at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida, fired five birdies and despite carding double bogeys at the par three seventh and par five 11th still managed to overpower his more senior American counterpart in the championship round.

Osborne will now face off with reigning Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay champion, Robert Vallis, who beat compatriot Nick Mansell six and five today in an all local affair.

"It should be a very interesting match," the 16-year-old golfer said.

Reflecting upon yesterday's positive start to the tournament, Osborne said: "I thought I putted fairly well and hit good shots to keep the ball in play.

"I hit everything pretty solid and the conditions were far better than they were the day (Tuesday) before."

The teenager is a product of Bermuda Junior Golf Association (BJGA) who have produced many notable golfers over the years.

"Alex is doing quite well for himself and is getting the right exposure in Florida," commented BJGA president Quinton Sherlock jr. "He continues to show lots of progress and has much potential."

Osborne made the turn yesterday at two-under-par after birdieing four of the opening nine holes and despite dropping four shots coming in managed to keep Yancey at bay.

Bermuda's Jarryd Dillas also advanced to the next round after beating compatriot Camiko Smith five and four. Dillas will take on frequent visitor Cy Kilgore of USA when play resumes today.

Paul Amess, the defending Bermuda Amateur Match Play champion, recorded a comfortable four and three win over Bermuda resident Frank Majors while Temple University student Eric Plisko birdied the third extra hole to get past fellow American Bill Jenks in an enthralling playoff.

In the women's championship round locals Tariqah Walikraam, Ebonie Burgess, Katrin Burnie, Kathy Lloyd-Hines, Tracy Nash and Ann Symonds all advanced to the second round.

Burgess prevailed over Ann Mitchell eight and seven, Burnie got past Wendy Salvia three and two, Hines beat Linda Down four and two, Nash defeated Susan Vallis in a playoff while Symonds beat Karen Smith seven and five.

Walikraam had a bye yesterday.