REIGNING champion Mark Ashworth booked his place in the knockout stages of the Harold Ryden Trophy on Saturday – and now has eyes on a third straight title.

The Clitheroe star, left, turned in two good rounds on his home course on Saturday as his morning 72 was followed by a 77 as the wind got up in the afternoon to give him a total of 149.

But his playing partner and 2011 beaten finalist Tony Flanagan is out of this year’s event as a morning 81 was followed by an afternoon 85 to destroy his chances of getting his hands on the trophy.

Longridge star Mark Young, the current leader of the Northern Order of Merit, is another man through to the knockout stages as he carded a 76 and a 73 to ensure his safe progress.

Young has never won the title before but the Longridge star seems well set to put that stat right after looking good on Saturday.

Clitheroe’s Andy Heeson led the way on Saturday as he shot a 71 and a 77 to lead the way with a combined 148 and his playing partner Joey Lamb also made it through the the last eight as he shot a pair of 76s to qualify.

Last year’s runner-up Chris Nuttall of Accrington missed out on a chance of a repeat as he was 11th after carding a 77 and a 76 but Nelson’s Shaun Field is through.

The King’s Causeway ace, who is trying to follow fellow club-mates Nick Uttley and David Rigby onto the ELGA roll of honour, impressed with a 75 and a 74.

Accrington’s Adam Smith, who shot a day’s best 70 and followed that up with a 79, and Wilpshire’s Tony Holt (78 and 74) also made it through.

Accrington and District star Jason Ashworth was first out and he shot a 74 and a 78 to take the final automatic qualification spot with Gary Philipson the first reserve should anyone be forced to scratch.

Tonight’s quarter-final qualifiers (start 5pm) Andrew Heesom, Mark Young, Shaun Field, Mark Ashworth, Adam Smith, Tony Holt, Joey Lamb, Jason Ashworth