SENTOSA, Singapore — Angelo Que holed a monster 40-foot birdie putt at the fourth extra hole Wednesday to earn a spot to the British Open, the first Filipino to achieve the feat since Frankie Miñoza in 1998.
Que fired a 71 to finish the 36-hole qualifier on 140 in a tie with Lam Chih Bing of Singapore and Japan’s Tomohiro Kondo at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course.
Lam, who played in his first Open at Carnoustie last year, was the first to seal his place to Royal Birkdale with a glorious birdie on the second extra hole, played over the 18th.
"It feels awesome," said Lam. "I was so nervous and standing over the putt, my hands were just shaking. Thank God it’s over. I can’t wait to get back to the Open. It’s unbelievable to play in a Major championship. Last year was the best experience in my life and I’m looking forward to getting back there."
Lam produced an exquisite approach to two feet on 18, which has water running down the left side of the hole. "I didn’t want to hit a shank or anything like that with my approach but managed to hit it close."
Que snuffed out Kondo’s hopes with that birdie putt on the fourth extra hole.
"I’ve been putting well and holed a few of those today. I had a similar putt during regulation but just needed to hit it harder. Luckily I holed a long one at the last," said Que.
"It feels great as I haven’t been playing well the past two years. Finally, I’ve got a chance to play in The Open. It’s an honor for me to represent the Philippines. It’s a dream come true."
Mars Pucay and Juvic Pagunsan failed to qualify after finishing on 145 and 147, respectively.
Antonio Lascuna, on the other hand, pulled out of the qualifying after shooting a 70 Tuesday.
Malaysia’s Danny Chia earned his second appearance at the British Open after winning the International Final Qualifying — Asia with a second successive three-under-par 69.
Australian Adam Blyth will join Chia at Royal Birkdale, England in July after a sparkling 66.
Chia produced superb birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to earn medallist honors on six-under-par 138, one shot better than Blyth who carded the day’s best round.
A jubilant Chia said: "I feel proud to be the only Malaysian at the Open. It always feels good to be in the same event with the world’s best golfers and it’ll be my goal to play well at Royal Birkdale."
Chia, an Asian Tour regular, carded birdies on the third and 10th holes before a three-putt bogey on 11 stalled his progress. But the Malaysian produced wonderful eight iron approach shots to within three feet on the 16th and 17th holes for birdies to earn his Open slot.
"I didn’t putt well but I struck the ball good. I played within myself and made two birdies coming back when I needed them the most. It’s going to be very exciting to go back to The Open."
After a 73 on Tuesday, Blyth produced a six-birdie round to earn his first Open appearance.
"The putts just went in today," said the 26year-old Aussie, who had his father Steve on caddying duty. "I played scrappy yesterday but managed to get myself into position this morning. I’m stoked to get into my first Major."
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