Richmond, TX (Sports Network) - Nathan Smith was just a couple matches from making history at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship when a dramatic surge fell short.

Meanwhile, Randal Lewis' bid to set a record at the USGA championship remains alive and well.

Smith, a three-time winner and two-time defending champion, eagled the 18th hole to square his semifinal match with Lewis, but lost on the 19th hole when Lewis made a birdie to beat his par.

After winning his first Mid-Am title in 2003, then claiming each of the last two, Smith was trying to break a tie with fellow three-time champion Jay Sigel for the most victories all-time.

Instead, the 54-year-old Lewis will attempt to become the oldest winner in championship history when he meets Kenny Cook in Thursday's 36-hole final at Shadow Hawk Golf Club.

Lewis is trying to smash the record set by George Zahringer, who was 49 years, five months and three days old when he won in 2002.

Earlier Wednesday, Lewis beat stroke-play medalist Mike McCaffrey, 3 & 1, in the quarterfinals to set up a meeting with Smith, who advanced with a 2 & 1 win over Mike Stamberger.

Cook defeated Tony Behrstock, 3 & 2, in the quarterfinals before routing John Engler, 6 & 5, in the semis. Engler had beaten Michael Muehr, 3 & 2, in the quarters.

09/21 19:10:41 ET