They’ve been here several times before, Championship Sunday, but have struggled to close the deal. Today brings another chance.

So far, so good for Kane, who followed up his even-par 70 first round with a 5-under 65 on Saturday to earn a share of first place.

The questionable strategy was good enough to keep Kane in contention for today’s final round of one of the state’s oldest golf tournaments, one shot off the lead.

Daughtrey sits six strokes back of co-leaders Paul Kane and Sam Beach and four strokes back of third-place Daniel Walker.

The absence of Decker — considered by most to be the premier amateur golfer in the state — may take some of the glitter from the 147-man field, but there are plenty of top-notch competitors dying to try on the green champion’s jacket just before dusk on Sunday.

Paul Kane and 15 other players will tee it up this morning in the second annual match play event that boasts the top 16 finishers and alternates from the season-long Battle Trophy competition. Two rounds will be played today, with the semifinals and finals set for Sunday.

The top six seeds from this year’s Battle Trophy list and three of last year’s four semifinalists return for the second annual Central Virginia Match Play Championships this weekend at Spring Creek Golf Club.

Little, who has dominated Central Virginia amateur golf for the past two years, will lead the field heading into today’s 54-hole annual Jefferson Cup Invitational at Birdwood Golf Club. It is one of only two local tournaments that Little hasn’t won.

The race for the 2008 Battle Trophy is on. Now in the 18th year of competition, the Battle Trophy is one of Central Virginia’s most coveted prizes, annually signifying the region’s top amateur golfer through a points system. Points are awarded in seven local tournaments, along with the Virginia State Amateur and SunTrust of Virginia Open.