DAVID Howell reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay in Scotland this morning.

The two-time Ryder Cup star progressed with a hard-fought 2&1 win over Scotland's Chris Doak, who had knocked tournament host Paul Lawrie out in the second round.

Swindon's Howell was facing fellow Englishman Chris Wood in the quarter-finals this afternoon, Wood being taken past the 14th hole for the first time this week before beating France's Julien Quesne by two holes.