Host professional David Carroll will be aiming for a second regional success in three years in Europe's biggest pro-am, the Lombard Trophy, when he and amateur partner Sean Ward tee-off in tomorrow's final at Seapoint golf club. Carroll won the Irish qualifier two years ago when partnered by by 19-handicapper Tasso Sambanidis.

Carroll's partner Ward plays off a 10 handicap and they will be one of the fancied pairs in the 70 strong field. The main opposition should come from Arnold O'Connor and Barry McGovern from Elmgreen, Bobby Browne and John Carolan (Laytown and Bettystown) and Karl O'Donnell and James Coogan from Newlands.

The Irish winners will join 13 other regional winners from all over Britain for a five-day trip to the finals in the Algarve from September 29th to October 3rd. The professionals will be shooting at a prize fund of £25,000.