As the winds released their grip on Belmont Golf Course yesterday, so Chris Smith's fingers lost their grip on the Fecchio Cup.

After a blistering round of 68 Jarryd Dillas emerged victorious over the overnight leader to take the title by four strokes. In equally dramatic fashion Ebonie Burgess wrapped up the girl's title after edging out Laura Robinson in a sudden-death play-off.

Dillas recorded a respectable round of 75 in Thursday's blustery conditions to move into contention, entering the final round three strokes adrift of Smith.

However, Smith suffered a disastrous start on the opening two holes and after overhauling him Dillas never looked back.

“Chris got a bad break coming off the first tee when his ball went out of bounds to register a bogey while I made par,” said Dillas, a Saltus Grammar school student.

“On the second hole he double bogeyed and I birdied to take the lead. Being three down and now one up after two holes I just tried to maintain my rhythm, get on the green first and make the putts.

“In all, it was a good day, a good round and very polished.”

Not to be outshone, Burgess came from behind to erase a slim, one stroke overnight lead and finish level on 77 with Robinson and set the tone for the dramatic climax.

Burgess secured the title on the first hole of the play-off. Both players made good their initial approach to the green, their tee-shots coming to within 15 feet of the pin on the par four hole.

Robinson, should have done better with her second stroke but could only watch in disbelief as the ball rolled past the cup leaving the US college player with a tough birdie-putt from eight feet. Although she managed to par the hole and is so doing put pressure on her younger counterpart, Burgess showed tremendous composure to make good her effort from five feet to seal the win.

“I am pleased with the result. It is the first time that I have defeated Laura in a play-off,” said the Berkeley Institute student. “This is definitely a good accomplishment for me.”

Meanwhile, tournament chairman, Rawn Rabain, was pleased by the resilience displayed by all the youngsters who persevered despite the inclement conditions of the opening two rounds.

“The kids showed great character over the course of the event,” he said, adding. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my committee and all the many volunteers who donated their time to ensure a successful tournament.”