Liu, Thomas reach US Junior Amateur finals

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ADA, Mich. (AP) -- Jim Liu of Smithtown, N.Y., will face Justin Thomas of Goshen, Ky., on Saturday in the championship match of the U.S. Junior Amateur.

The 14-year-old Liu defeated fellow New Yorker Gavin Hall, from Pittsford, 1 up in the quarterfinals on Friday morning on the Classic Course at Egypt Valley Country Club. Liu then won his afternoon semifinal, 3 and 2, over 14-year-old Robbie Shelton of Wilmer, Ala.

The only lead Thomas had in his afternoon match was following the 19th hole, when he defeated Denny McCarthy of Burtonsville, Md. The 17-year-old Thomas beat Scott Wolfes of St. Simons Island, Ga., 2 and 1 in the quarterfinals.

Thomas was the only semifinalist to break par in the tournament's two qualifying rounds.