number of passes. The Fisher exact test was used to compare yield for different specimen characteristics. Fourteen (19%) lesions were malignant and 59 (81%) were benign. Cells indicating the final diagnosis were contained in 249 (75%) of 334 specimens. Cells indicating the diagnosis were contained in the first specimen in 51 (70%) lesions, in the second specimen in 67 (92%), in the third specimen in 70 (96%), and in the fourth specimen in 73 (100%). Of the 14 malignancies, 13 (93%) were diagnosed with cells contained in the first or second specimen; one cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ) was diagnosed with cells contained in the fourth specimen. Specimens that were nonfragmented (P <.001) and sank (P <.001) showed correlation with being diagnostic, but needle visualization within the lesionLancs players lead way in Amateur

SOUTHPORT & Ainsdale clubmates Paul Howard and Sean Towndrow led the way into the quarter-finals of the Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush today.

BIG HIT: Sean Towndrow

The England internationals booked their places in the last eight with impressive victories. Howard defeated local player and R&A Scholar Cormac Sharvin, while Towndrow overcame strong English opponent Toby Tree.

Sharvin enjoyed a strong local following cheering him on as a member of Ardglass Golf Club in nearby County Down but Howard showed his character to take an early lead in the match.

The 23-year-old went two up after four holes, but bogeys at the sixth and seventh saw his lead wiped out. He pulled ahead again at the par four eighth when Sharvin bogeyed.

Then Howard stepped up the pressure.