PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. - Craig Doell of Victoria shot a second round of 5-under par Wednesday to cement his position atop the leaderboard at the Canadian men's mid-amateur golf championship.
After bogeying his first hole, the 27-year old used solid putting to card six birdies and led the competition with a two-day total of 8-under 132.
Earlier Wednesday, Doell completed his first round with a score of 3-under par 67.
"I played steady yesterday and today, so I'm happy," said Doell. "The weather this morning was especially challenging because the wind and rain made my clubs slip in my hands, but this afternoon was a lot better. The ball was rolling better on the greens and managed to make some good putts."
Second-round play was suspended due to darkness with half the field still on the course.
Doell is competing in the mid-amateur championship since the minimum age of eligibility changed to 25 in 2006. The tournament was previously only open to golfers over the age of 40.
First round leader Justin Fluit of Toronto was behind Doell at 4-under par through his first four holes in his second round.
Following completion of the third round, the field will be reduced to the low 70 scores and ties.
In the inter-provincial competition Ontario combined for a two-round total 429 to win the R. Bruce Forbes title.
Ontario, consisting of Nathan Komsa of Lasalle, Tyler Mcdannold of Burlington, Rob Cowan of Waterloo and Dave Bunker of Woodbridge captured the province's seventh team title.
"It feels good to bring the trophy back to Ontario," team captain Bunker said. "We have great chemistry on the team this year and the young guys (Nathan and Tyler) are playing really well and we've had a great four days together."
Saskatchewan entered the second round sitting in first place, but were not able to maintain their lead. The team of Jim Born of Lloydminster, Colin Coben of Delisle, Jared Faubert of Fort Qu'Appelle and Rick Hallberg of Weyburn finished second with a two-round total of 243.
Defending champions British Columbia finished third, three shots back of Saskatchewan. Ben Griffin of Victoria, Bryan Toth of Victoria, Greg Bismeyer of Pitt Meadows and Brian DeBiasio of Nelson combined for a score of 436,
