Daly II and Donegan Advance to Quarterfinals at the U.S. Amateur
In a day full of emotions at The Olympic Club, John Daly II and Niall Shiels Donegan secured their place in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur, after winning their respective matches on Thursday. The competition, which has seen the elimination of several high-ranking players, promises an electrifying tournament finish.
John Daly II, son of the two-time major champion, showcased his skills by defeating Nate Smith 2 and 1 in the round of 32. In the afternoon, he continued his dominance by beating Daniel Bennett of South Africa 3 and 2 in the round of 16.
Daly, soon to be a senior at the University of Arkansas, will face Mason Howell in the next phase. Howell, 18 years old and originally from Georgia, managed to qualify for the U.S. Open this year, standing out with impressive rounds of 63-63 in the Atlanta section.
In other featured results, Howell defeated second-ranked Ben James, 1 up, and Max Herendeen 2 and 1. Herendeen, for his part, eliminated top-ranked Jackson Koivun, 3 and 2 in the morning.
Niall Shiels Donegan also shone with two 1-up victories, overcoming South Africa’s Christiaan Maas, ranked ninth, and Preston Stout, the fourth-ranked player and stroke-play medalist.
Donegan, who represents Scotland and resides in the Bay Area, tied with Stout with a birdie on the 15th hole and took the lead with a 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole.
Donegan was one of 17 players who advanced from a 20-player playoff on Wednesday morning to determine the final 64 for match play.
Donegan will face Jacob Modleski, who defeated Paul Chang of China by 2 up. Modleski, ranked number 15, is the highest-ranked amateur player remaining in the competition.
Miles Russell, 16, from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, also advanced to the quarterfinals, after defeating Mahanth Chirravuri 2 and 1. Russell is ranked number 16.
Russell will face Eric Lee, ranked 29th, who won 2 up against Josh Duangmanee, after Duangmanee lost his ball off the tee on the final hole. In the other quarterfinal, Jimmy Abdo will play against Jackson Herrington.
