Extra effort sends Hadges to quarters

John Hadges, teeing off on 16 at the Kittansett Club, edged Brian Higgins in 20 holes and will face Frank Vana Jr. today. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)

MARION - Truth be told, John Hadges was more than ready to make his way to the 21st hole.

He and Brian Higgins were greenside at the 20th hole of their match, their 38th of a day that turned into more of a marathon than an afternoon round of match play yesterday in the Massachusetts Amateur at the Kittansett Club.

They had planted drives in the center of the fairway on the second hole. Hadges's approach went through the green, a couple of feet into the rough. Higgins's shot wound up left of the green in a bunker.

Higgins, of Franklin CC, blasted within a couple of feet, but Hadges hit his chip long.

Hadges knocked his putt down. Higgins's lipped out.

Marathon over.

"I was thinking, going to the next hole," said Hadges of Thorny Lea CC. "You have to expect it, a guy of his caliber."

Hadges, the medalist after stroke play, was among the eight survivors after two rounds of match play.

Almost half of the 32 matches went to 18 holes or further, with some familiar names rallying late to reach today's quarterfinals.

Kevin Quinn of Charles River CC built a 4-up lead against Taylor Fontaine of Pleasant Valley CC only to watch it crumble to all square after 18 holes. Quinn made par on No. 19 to salvage the victory and set up a match today with Doug Clapp of Old Sandwich GC, who beat Scott Congdon, 4 and 2.

Two-time winner Frank Vana Jr. climbed out of a 3-down hole, forced Jack Kearney into an extra hole, and won the match in 19 holes. It was the only time Vana led all afternoon.

In the morning match, Vana also had to scramble out of a three-hole deficit to beat John Gilmartin, 2 and 1.

Having to scrap all day was out of character for Vana. He joked that it was a style Kearney was more comfortable playing.

"I felt like I was playing like him, which I wasn't enjoying," said Vana. "He plays like that better."

At 48, Vana had the look of a man who had run this race more than enough times to know how it works.

"I don't feel the pressure to win No. 3," he said. "I just want to."

Vana will face Hadges this morning.

Meanwhile, two-time Mass. Junior champion Antonio Grillo of Farm Neck GC toppled 2005 Mass. Public Links champion Phil Miceli of Sagamore Spring GC, 4 and 3. Harvard-bound Grillo will take on Matt Parziale of Thorny Lea GC, who beat 2006 state champ Ben Spitz of the Harmon Club, 3 and 1.

Reigning Mass. Mid-Amateur champ Philip Smith of Vesper CC cruised to a 6-and-5 victory over Mike Slosek of Waconah CC, setting up a match with Daniel Falcucci of Cyprian Keyes, who earned his quarter berth by taking down Bobby Loguidice of Franconia GC, 1-up.