June 22, 2001

St. Louis, Mo. - University of Missouri men's golfer Mark McBride moved one round closer toward defending his amateur title Thursday as he advanced in the first round of match play in the Missouri Men's Amateur Golf Tournament at Sunset Country Club in St. Louis, Mo.

McBride, of Lebanon, defeated Derek Roach, of Poplar Bluff, 4 and 3. Roach advanced to match play by qualifying for the final spot in a four-hole playoff Wednesday.

University of Missouri quarterback Kirk Farmer, of Jefferson City, advanced by beating Matt Warnock, of Liberty, 2 and 1.

Friday's play will include matches for the rounds of 32 and 16, with winners advancing to semi-final play Saturday. The championship match is set for Sunday.

If McBride successfully defends his 2000 championship, he will join select company. The last person to win consecutive Missouri Amateur Championships was Tom Watson, who claimed the titles in 1970 and '71.