Championships heads into the quarter-final stage at Mid Ocean Club.

Eldon Raynor survived yet another tense affair to defeat fellow Bermudian Barry DeCouto two-up on the 18th hole in one of the day's more closely contested affairs.

In the first round, Raynor had beaten Denton Outerbridge one-up and yesterday's match was another see saw affair, with each player's fortunes changing with the various wind shifts.

Meanwhile, defending champion Robert Vallis eased into the final eight on the basis of a four-and-three triumph against visitor Gary Newell. He faces Mark Dupuy, who ousted Michael Rose one-up.

Two-time former winner Joel Hirsch continued to display the fine form that garnered him a five-and-four win against Trevor Gilchrist to open the tournament as he bested Adrian Crockwell by a similar margin.

However, Hirsch indicated that the match was a lot closer then the score would indicate and it was a few untimely errors that did in the Bermudian.

"It was a pretty tight match,'' said Hirsch. "Adrian played well with the only difference being that he missed a couple of short putts.'' Hirch feels his chances of capturing a third title are as good as any, especially with him carrying along his own cheering section.

"I have my wife with me and I didn't when I won in 1981 and `83 and she's here cheering me on.

"I feel I'm playing well. I'd have three more matches (to get to the final) and if I continue playing the way I have been I'd stand a good chance.

"There are no magic formulas...although I wish there were.'' Hirsch's business partner Tom Studer joined him in the next round, where he will face Raynor, by disposing of the challenge put forward by Tony Readwin.

He said that the wind wreaked havoc on the course and it was tough on everybody.

Said Studer: "I think perhaps I had a bit more tournament experience and was more tournament tough (than Readwin).''