Championships yesterday when he expelled favourite and three-time former winner Joel Hirsch during an exciting second round duel at Mid Ocean Club.

Policeman Carr, who at one time led the American by five holes, in the end barely squeezed out a one-up victory, a triumph he found particularly satisfying.

"It was very enjoyable,'' said Carr, last year's beaten finalist. "We had a great match.'' The first 10 holes saw Carr quickly settle into a groove while Hirsch struggled out of the gate and in the end paid the price.

By the 11th Carr held a five hole advantage and the writing appeared on the wall for the Chicago-based golfer.

However, that lead quickly disintegrated as Hirsch embarked on a birdie spree along the back nine, drawing within one at 17, but was forced to share 18 thus extinguishing any chance of moving on.

"I tried to be aggressive and play well like I started out on the front, but I didn't quite play as well on the back nine. He (Hirsch) seemed to refocus and play great golf,'' said Carr, explaining how his opponent was able to come back and turn it into a close affair. "He was winning holes with birdies, rather than me messing up.

"There was a bit of tension at the end but I was able to come through it.'' Next up for Carr is Bill Cosgrove, a four and two winner over local Nick Mansell.

And, although his ultimate aim is the final, Carr refused to look past his next opponent.

"Obviously you take each match as it comes and try to do your best. It's man against man, so I'm not looking too far ahead. Although that's (final) a goal, you have to take each match as it comes.'' Meanwhile, top Bermudian Robert Vallis eased into the quarter-finals with a five and four triumph over Ocean View manager Bill Pitt and will face American Doug Ballenger, a five and three victor over Rory Scrymgeour.

Mark Dupuy will face Robert DeWitt, after Dupuy was able to best Alan Anderson four and three and DeWitt downed Wayne Walker five and four.

Scotsman John Liddel set up a match against Arthur Jones after beating Zane DeSilva five and four, while Jones eliminated Cy Kilgore two and one.

This morning sees the quarter-finals followed by the semis this afternoon.