Youngsters prevail at U.S. Amateur

OAKMONT, Pa., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The quests of veterans George Zahringer and Jerry Courville to win the U.S. Amateur ended Friday as four players youngsters advanced to the semifinals.

The 50-year-old Zahringer had his amazing run stopped by 18-year-old Walker Cup team member Casey Wittenberg, who posted a 1-up victory to advance at Oakmont Country Club.

Courville, 44, also dropped a 1-up decision, falling to 19-year-old Australian Nick Flanagan.

Joining Wittenberg and Flanagan in Saturday's semifinals were 21-year-old Lee Williams, a 4 & 3 winner over 35-year-old Patrick Carter, and 22-year-old David Oh, who bounced 2002 semifinalist Bill Haas, 2 & 1.

The winners of Saturday's semifinal matches will earn an invitation to the 2004 Masters.