China's top golfer Liang Wenchong fired a sparking 66 in the International Final Qualifying -- Asia Section at the Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore, to secure his second appearance at The Open. After finishing second in the two-day qualifying event, he will take his place among the world's top golfers at the world's most-prestigious tournament in Turnberry, Scotland, on July 16th.
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Liang Wenchong will be hoping for better weather this year at The Open in Turnberry.
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A total of sixty players lined up for the four available slots. Overnight leader Mika Illonen of Finland looked well-placed after a first-round 65, but he endured a torrid 77 to finish on 142 and miss the play-off for the final spot by two strokes.
Winner of the event was rising young Indian star Gaganjheet Bhullar, who scored 67 to finish on 136. Two shots behind him on 138 was Liang, followed by Terry Pilkardis of Australia a further shot adrift. No less than nine players finished on 140 and had to endure a nail-biting playoff for the fourth and final slot, which was won by another Australian, Tim Stewart
Liang, who last year became the first golfer from Chinese mainland to play in all four rounds at the Open, is delighted with the chance to return to Britain for a second successive tournament. "I played really well today. My tee shots and putts were all spot-on and I couldn't ask for a better performance," he said. "I hope to continue playing well and hopefully put Asia on the world map with a good showing in July."
The winner of the Asian Tour in 2007, Liang started the day a distant half-way down the field on 72, a long way off the pace. But an eagle on the par-four four and three birdies on a bogey-free card left him a comfortable qualifier.
Bhullar's two-day six-under-par 136 ensured that he will be gracing the fairways and playing amongst the world's elite, while Australia's Terry Pilkadaris had to endure a nervous wait before learning that he had also earned his ticket to the world's oldest Major with his 72 on the second round.
Starting the day in tied-eighth and four shots off the lead, Bhullar also had a lot to do. He knew that he had to play the game of his life in order to stand any chance of making the trip to Scotland.
"I actually set a target of five-under for today, although I managed to finish in four-under. But it's okay. I'm really happy now that I'm on my way to the British Open," said a visibly delighted Bhullar. The 20-year-old year Indian from Kapurthala has posted three top-10s in the six events that he has played on the Asian Tour so far and credited his sports psychologist for helping to turn his game around. "I played really well today and it's all thanks to Dr Pradeep Aggarwal whom has helped me a lot in improving my mental strength. Without his teachings, I doubt I would have gone this far," said Bhullar, who enjoyed a blemish free round highlighted by four birdies.
"I've been watching the British Open since I was a kid and to actually get to play there is truly a dream come true," added Bhullar.
