MIDDLESBROUGH'S Jon Lupton has risen to the top of the PING/EGU Order of Merit following his win in the Brabazon Trophy at Hunstanton.

The 24-year-old from Yarm carded a closing 74 for 287, one under par, to finish two strokes ahead of Scotland's Jack Doherty, who returned 73, and five clear of Spanish champion Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano also with 74.

England International Lupton moves up to the No 1 spot ahead of Paul Bradshaw (Gainsborough GC) and fellow Elite Squad member and former Durham County champion Richard Walker (Frodsham GC).

The win further boosts the Teessider's claim to a place in the Walker Cup squad at Ganton in September.

Lupton, who played in the England team which defeated Spain recently at Lindrick, is now competing in another event in the World Class Performance Programme, the St. Andrews Links Trophy.

He was paired with Scotland's Jack Doherty and South African Albert Kruger in the first two rounds.

Clubmate Michael Skelton, who picked up the Henriques Salver at Hunstanton for the best score by a teenager, is currently ranked 23rd in the order of merit after finishing eight shots behind fellow Elite Squad member Lupton.

* It was agony for Matfen Hall professional John Harrison and his amateur partner Wayne Dinning as they were denied a place in the grand final of the Lombard Trophy on the final hole.

Out in the penultimate group of the Northern regional final at Sand Moor, Leeds, on Wednesday they arrived at the last green needing a birdie for outright victory.

Dinning's putt seemed destined for a three but it stopped three inches short and they tied on seven under par 64 with three other couples.

A card play-off gave the victory to Renishaw Park, Sheffield pair, John Oates and John Brodie, who will be heading for the grand final of Europe's biggest pro-am, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and backed by the PGA at San Lorenzo, Portugal, in September.

Leading scores

64 - Renishaw Park: J Pates and J Brodie (8); Matfen Hall: J Harrison and W Dinning (23); Alwoodley: J Green and F Swaine (10); Richmond: P Jackson and A Clifton (13).

65 - Hornsea: D Close and S Wicker (12).

Other scores included:

69 - Chester-le-Street: D Fletcher and M McMahon (10); Catterick: A Marshall and N Kneen (15).

70 - Garesfield: D Race and S Henry (15).

Results:

Romanby Ladies' Tri-am, May 15: 1st M Ingleton, G Watson, C Clark (Cocksford) - 76 pts; 2nd S Bellwood, T Johnson, J Knight (Romanby, Saltburn, Thirsk and Northallerton) - 75 pts; 3rd R Allan, J Lund, N Jacobs (Knaresborough) - 75 pts; 4th L Neslon, C Quinn, K Mutt (Wodham) 75 pts.

Annual Franco Tolu Challenge Trophy, Romanby, May 8: Gladys Brown nett 73; Sue Almond Nett 73; Eileen Paramore nett 75; Mary Haskins nett 76; Ruth Umpleby nett 77.