DAVID Howell survived a late scare to book his place in the second round of the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play after triumphing on the first extra hole against Daniel Brooks this afternoon.
Swindon ace Howell looked to have the victory wrapped up at Murcar Links Golf Club when he was 2-up with two to play against fellow Englishman Brooks.
However, Brooks birdied both the final two holes to prolong the match only for Howell to hold his nerve and seal the win on the 19th.
Broome Manor pro Howell had earlier taken the lead on the first hole in Aberdeen with a birdie before the duo traded wins over the next two to keep Howell ahead.
Brooks hauled himself level when Howell bogeyed the sixth hole but the Swindon star soon retook the lead at eight.
A second straight birdie saw him move 2-up for the first time but the pair then traded victories to cut Howell’s lead in half after 13 holes.
Howell looked to have made a decisive move at 15 with his fifth birdie of the day to move two holes up again but he was then forced to endure a few nervous moments as Brooks mounted his comeback, although that ultimately proved to be in vain.
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