Dwayne Pearman overpowered veteran Keith Smith in the 36-hole final of the Bermuda PGA Lobster Pot Match Play Championships at Belmont yesterday, running away to a seven and six victory.

Pearman, a former champion, was three up after the morning's first 18 holes and finally extinguished his opponent's challenge on the 30th hole -- Belmont's par four 12th.

"I had a little scare on Monday against Darren Swan of Riddell's Bay because I hadn't played in a couple of days, but my game got stronger and stronger as the tournament continued,'' said Pearman afterwards.

Smith, offering no excuses, admitted "the best man won.'' "Dwayne played exceptionally well and I just couldn't play the same game as him,'' commented Smith. "He hit almost every green and was sinking all of his putts. That's hard to beat, especially when my chipping was not as sharp as usual.'' Pearman agreed that his game was spot on in the final.

"I played very well today,'' he added. "All I had was irons to the greens and then a putt. I hardly chipped all day. Anybody could have a good result with that kind of play.

"But Keith was a good competitor and put the pressure on. Anything could have happened today.'' Pearman noted he had almost had to pull out because of a sore neck -- a recurring injury which curtailed his play in tournaments last year.

But there was no evidence of any injury as he fired eight birdies yesterday, and was four under par when the match ended.

Meanwhile, in the consolation final J.J. Madeiros downed Herbie Minors four and three.

Defending champion Cornell Bean took third place after winning by default over Kim Swan who was forced to pull out at the last minute due to a personal matter.

Next week Pearman and Swan set their sights on the World Cup western zone qualifier at Runaway Bay in Jamaica.

The 36-hole tournament starts a week today with 23 nations competing.

Last year Pearman was forced to pull out because of his neck injury and was replaced by Bean as Bermuda failed to make the final.

Dwayne Pearman