KERRY Smith narrowly missed out on bringing Hampshire a prized victory in the English Ladies Amateur Championship at Ganton.

The 27-year-old England international from Waterlooville lost 2 and 1 to Curtis Cup player Fiona Brown in Saturday's final - after jolting her illustrious opponent with a fighting comeback.

Smith looked to be heading for a comprehensive defeat when she trailed by four holes in the early stages of the inward nine. But, when Brown three-putted and Smith roled in her second birdie of the day, the gap was back to two.

And the Hampshire girl narrowed it to one when a superb bunker shot allowed her to take the long 16th with a four.

But, as quickly as Smith's hopes had risen, they were suddenly dashed when she three-putted on the 17th green to give her West Kirby opponent the title for the first time.

Smith ultimately paid the price for a disappointing start. She lost the first two holes and, despite narrowing the gap at one stage with a birdie, was three over at the turn while Brown was an impressive one under.

Former England intermediate title-winner Smith nevertheless can look back on a superb championship on the course which will stage the Curtis Cup next year.

Among her conquests on the way to the final was the reigning British champion Kim Andrew, whom she beat 3 and 2 in the semi-finals.

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