Dwayne Gibson led the field in the qualifying round of the BPGA Fritz Reiter/Lobster Pot Matchplay Championships yesterday, notching up an even par 70 to earn a bye into today?s first round.

Defending champion Chris Smith was also given a bye through to the final eight while 12 others battle it out today.

Belmont pros Brian Morris and Darriek Douglas will play each other as will Twilton Smith and Fred Richardson. Former European tour pro Kim Swan will play Kevin Benevides, Dwayne Pearman takes on David James, Chaka DeSilva plays Keith Smith while Andrew Trott plays Andrew Bissell.