A final round of one-under par 69 earned golfer Michael Sims a tie for fifth at the prestigious Porter Cup tournament which ended on Saturday.

Following victories in the US North/South and The Players Amateur, the 22-year-old Bermudian had entered the event at the Niagara Falls Country Club as one of the favourites.

And he remained in contention among a field of 76 throughout the four rounds, despite an opening round of 73.

That was followed by a 69 and a 70, and then another 69 on Saturday as he moved steadily up the leaderboard.

But there would be no stopping eventual winner Nick Cassini, who went into Saturday's last round two shots behind the leader and two ahead of Sims. He carded a 65 to finish at five-under 275 and win by three strokes.

Sims, finishing on one over-par 281, tied with six other players.

This week the Rhode Island University student, who early last week qualified for the US Amateur, heads for another big event, the Western Amateur in Michigan.