There was a big shock at the English Ladies' Close championship when Chloe Court failed to qualify for the matchplay stages.

There were high hopes, particularly among members at her club, Goodwood, that Chloe would further enhance an already growing reputation by making a splash at Pulborough.

But, after an opening 77, the Sussex champion and England international slumped to an 85 for 162 and 51st place.

She was way off the 157 mark by seven players who played off for the final six spots.

Her performance will no doubt force a swift return to the practice ground, bearing in mind there were 76 entries and she could do no better than return 18 over par.

The championship final is tomorrow.

Jo Galway (East Sussex National) was 21st among the qualifiers with 154 (76, 78).

Daisy Kane, of West Sussex, has 80 and 78 for 158 and 35th spot and missed the knockout rounds.

THE Cooden Beach Bowl attracted an entry of 54 pairs from 16 clubs from all over the South and winners were Kevin Williams, of the home club, with Dean McDonald (Addington Palace).

Runners-up were David Snashall (Cooden) with Clive Lee (Rye).

Winners of Section B were Andy Field and Mick Martin (Bognor) from Sean Curtis and Jeff Reed (Cooden).

Cooden also supplied the Section D winners, Mark Betts and Sean Piper.