Maybin grabs Open ticket

Gareth Maybin will tee up in the British Open at Muirfield next month after producing two splendid rounds in the international final qualifying at Sunningdale yesterday.

The 32-year-old posted a 36-hole total of 136 over the Old and New courses with rounds of 67 and 69.

That put the Irishman in a tie for third place behind American Brooks Koopka and England’s Oliver Fisher.

In a tense situation, Maybin kept his nerve over the closing holes on the New Course, finishing with two birdies and four pars.

Compatriot Michael Hoey missed out on 140, with scores of 71 and 69 putting him outside the top 20.

Dubliner Neil Ó Briain took a step towards booking his place at Muirfield by securing his place in final qualifying in Scotland next week when he topped the six going through from yesterday’s regional qualifier over The Island course.

The former Waterford College graduate fired a 70 to finish well clear of his rivals.

David Jones and Michael McGeady both went through with scores of 73.

Local man David Ramaluk, Brendon McConnell and Killarney’s Daniel Sugrue also overcame the regional qualifying hurdle.