Sports

Manakin-Sabot, VA (Sports Network) - Defending champion and stroke play medalist Paul Simson earned a berth into the quarterfinals on Tuesday with two match play wins at the USGA Senior Amateur Championship.

Simson handled Sam Till, Jr., 5 & 4, in the second round before a 3 & 1 victory over Emile Vaughan at Kinloch Golf Club put him in the final eight. With three more victories, including one in Thursday's 18-hole final, Simson would become the first man since William C. Campbell in 1980 to successfully defend his title.

Up next for Simson is Philip Pleat, who beat Andrew Congdon, 2 & 1, to advance to the quarters.

There's a bit of brotherly love in Wednesday's matchups, as Louis Lee and Stanford Lee both advanced to face each other for a spot in the semis.

Stanford Lee had a tougher time getting a shot at his brother, needing 19 holes to defeat Tony Green after Green holed out for eagle to win the par-four 18th. Louis Lee, meanwhile, trounced Steve Poulson, 5 & 4, to advance.

Simson never trailed in his round of 16 matchup with Vaughan, though Vaughan threatened to go ahead several times. Simson had a two-hole lead after four, but Vaughan came back to square the match with a par on the ninth.

Simson regained the lead with a birdie at the 12th, but bogeyed the 14th to fall even again. He got on a hot streak to end it, though, winning each of the last three holes to secure a spot in Wednesday's action.

Other quarterfinalists include Chip Lutz, a 3 & 1 winner over Hunter Nelson; Jeff Burda, a 6 & 4 winner over Richard Marlowe; William Thomas Doughtie, a 2 & 1 winner over John Grace; and Ronald Kilby, a 3 & 2 winner over David Anthony.

The quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday.

09/13 19:12:34 ET