Amateur Match Play Championships with two convincing triumphs against overseas competition at Mid Ocean Club yesterday.

After quickly disposing of the challenge of Scotsman Mark Dupuy seven and six, Vallis turned his sights to Tom Studer of the United States.

Studer proved more worthy competition, but he still succumbed to the fine all-round play by the Bermudian. The result read three and two in favour of Vallis.

Meanwhile, another American, Joel Hirsch lined himself up for a chance at a third title when he likewise defeated his two opponents.

First up in the quarter-finals was Walker Taylor, whom Hirsch eliminated at the 17th hole three and one.

Bob Morris was next, after earning his way through to the semifinals on the basis of a close two-and-one victory at the expense of Rick Cunha.

Still, he was no match for Hirsch, as the two-time winner continued in the fine vein displayed throughout the week.

Hirsch blasted away under trying conditions to an emphatic five-and-four win.

"I hit the ball very solidly and putted well,'' said Hirsch. "I was solid from tee to green and just had a good all-round game in tough conditions.

"I was very steady and was quite pleased with the way I played.'' Looking forward to today's match-up with Vallis, Hirsch was optimistic about his chances, and hopeful of repeating the form shown thus far.

He has been relentless in his desire and has cut a swath through the field with the closest match being the win against Taylor. All the others came from a similar script, each ending with a five-and-four scoreline.

Said Hirsch: "In match play you have to go out and do the best you can.

"Just play solid golf and not worry about the opponent...that's my game plan every day.

"It's a national championship and a great country. I love Bermuda and it is a great honour to be playing for the championship.'' As mentioned before, the weather has been quite troublesome throughout and may well hold the key to victory.

However, Hirsch was undaunted about the prospects of rain complicating things and playing against the champion in his back yard.

"I've played a number of British Amateur tournaments and in Scotland, so I'm really used to rough weather.

"Vallis is also used to the conditions and knows the course well.

"It is hard on everyone, but we know how to handle it.'' The final will be played over 36 holes with the first 18 beginning at 8 a.m and the final round at 1 p.m.

Earlier in the day Studer had eliminated the other remaining local, Eldon Raynor, one-up after a titillating battle between the pair.

Meanwhile, in the Championship consolation Dave Schuster faces off against Tim Gamso following a three-and-two defeat of Conrad Henry.

Gamso, though, found the path less smooth as he was taken to the brink by Charles Holden.

Other finals that have been set have Tim Carr battling Lorne Campbell for First Flight honours, Zane DeSilva taking on Ricky Cox in the First Flight Consolation, William Vahey against Adrian Arnold in the Second Flight final, Roger Harvey and John Rayner hooking up for the Second Flight Consolation and James Viglioro and David Braddock contesting the Third Flight final.

Don Page downed Joe DiGiovanni five and four yesterday to clinch the Third Flight Consolation.

ROBERT VALLIS -- Has reached today's final with little incident.