Twilton Smith and Andrew Bissell both came from behind in the first round of the Fritz Reiter Memorial Pro Match Play Championships at Riddell's Bay yesterday to progress to today's quarter-finals.

Smith went two down early on in his match against Clevie Tucker but clawed his way back to eventually record a comfortable five and three victory.

Bissell was in an even worse predicament as he fell three behind against Danny Johnson but recovered to win three and two.

Steven Roy had a relatively easy time in defeating Swaine Eve six and five, while Riddell's Bay professional Brian Morris defeated a stubborn Keith Smith four and three.

Riddell's Bay assistant pro Chris Smith won by default after opponent J.J. Madeiros, returning to the golf scene after a long absence, was forced to withdraw for medical reasons.

Today's matches will see defending champion Darriek Douglas, given a bye yesterday, face his Belmont Hills companion Smith while Monday's medallist Paul Adams takes on Bissell.

Morris is up against Roy in a battle of the big hitters while Smith plays David James.

The winners of these morning matches will progress to the semi finals in the afternoon.

Tomorrow's final will be a 36-hole affair with the two losing semi-finalists playing 18 holes for third and fourth place.