YORK professional Kirsty Taylor blew her chance of finishing as the leading Briton in the £100,000 Kellogg's British Masters at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.

Taylor, who plays out of The York Golf Club, surged into title contention as the leading home player in Saturday's second round in which she shot a five-under-par 67. Taylor's whirlwind round comprised a blistering front nine in which she hit no less than six birdies, including three on the trot.

But her chance of a top three placing were dashed yesterday when she carded a two-over par 74 for a three-round total of 213. That saw her drop to sixth place in the tournament, which was won by Spain's Paula Marti. She hit a last day 68, including birdies on all five par-five holes on the Mottram Hall course, to clinch victory on 209 to register her second Evian Tour title this year.

Updated: 12:11 Monday, July 09, 2001