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Dillas, Symonds win Match Play titles

(Photo by Mark Tatem)Jared Dillas plays a shot during Saturday's Bermuda Amateur Match Play at Mid Ocean. Dillas won his fourth straight title.

Jarryd Dillas won a record fourth straight Bermuda Amateur Match Play men’s title and Ann Symonds her first title as the 36-hole Championship finals were held in blustery, rainy and chilly conditions at Mid Ocean earlier today.Dillas, the number one seed, comfortably beat Chris Brough eight and six while Symonds wrapped on the women’s title on the final one one-up after opponent Linda Down came from three down late in the second round to take it down to the wire, only losing after failing to sink a three foot putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff hole.“These were some of the most trying conditions I’ve played in consecutive days,” said a soaked Dillas in the clubhouse after sealing his match on the 12th hole. “You are playing against the conditions as much as your opponent and it was just tough. I feel fortunate to come out on top. I had two close matches yesterday (Friday) and the scoreline was a bit flattering for me today.”A satisfied Symonds, who had been limping throughout the tournament with a knee injury, was exhausted for more reasons than one as playing 36 holes over two straight days took its toll.“Mentally I was tired, I played 36 holes yesterday (Friday) and also again today so I was drained,” she stated. “And also going up against the elements, where the wind picked up on the second 18.”Symonds was three-up after the first 18 and still had a three-hole lead on the 13th before Down fought back. “She won 14, I won 15, she won 16 and 17 and took it to the wire on 18 where she missed a three foot putt that would have tied it and we would have had to go back to number one (playoff hole),” said a relieved Symonds.“I was drained and couldn’t hit a club anymore. Much credit to Linda, she was a good competitor.”