One-Arm golf championships at Largs Golf Course in Largs, Scotland yesterday midway through his first round match with Scotland's Brian Cromby.

Talbot battled on after picking up the injury on the fifth hole. But after staying even with Cromby through 10 holes, his game suddenly fell apart and he dropped three straight holes before conceding.

"Although it was a rainy day I started off good and was able to go two-up,'' said Talbot last night.

"But my troubles came on the fifth when I hit the ball in the rough, played a shot out and then pulled a muscle in my back that was to eventually lead to my downfall.

"I hung in there for a while and kept playing, but things never really improved with my back. I flinched every time I hit the ball and it didn't make sense to continue.

"I'm very disappointed because I was playing well. But since I suffer with back problems I decided to play safe and concede the match.'' Cromby's win put him in one of today's semi-final match-ups against Nick Champness of England. The other semi-final will see Dave Parsons of the Channel Islands take on South Africa's Hugo Tutoit.

Talbot will watch today's semi-finals and tomorrow's final and then leave for a vacation in England before flying home on June 19.