THREE former Harold Ryden Championship winners are among the quarter finalists of the prestigious ELGA competition – but it was Blackburn’s Anthony Harwood who finished as the top qualifier.

Harwood ended four shots ahead of the field in Saturday’s 36-hole qualifier at Blackburn Golf Club with a gross score of 134, thanks to a stunning second round 65.

And he will be hoping to use home advantage when he meets Nelson’s Nick Uttley – the 2002 champion - in the first of this evening’s quarter finals at the Beardwood Brow club.

Another intriguing last eight clash pairs former winners, Tony Holt of Wilpshire and Darwen’s Gary Phillipson.

In the other two quarter finals, Mark Ashworth of Clitheroe plays Ashley Siddle of Rossendale while Nelson’s Craig Fort takes on Tony Flanagan of Clitheroe who finished second to Harwood in the qualifier with a gross score of 138.

Best eight qualifying scores: Anthony Harwood (Blackburn) 134; Tony Flanagan (Clitheroe) 138; Tony Holt (Wilpshire) 142; Ashley Siddle (Rossendale) 143; Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe) 144; Gary Phillipson (Darwen) 144; Craig Fort (Nelson) 144; Nick Uttley (Nelson) 145.

Quarter finals, this evening - 5.30pm: Anthony Harwood (Blackburn) v Nick Uttley (Nelson); 5.40pm: Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe) v Ashley Siddle (Rossendale); 5.50pm: Tony Holt (Wilpshire) v Gary Phillipson (Darwen); 6pm: Craig Fort (Nelson) v Tony Flanagan (Clitheroe).

* Follow the Harold Ryden Championships every day in the Lancashire Telegraph.