Ilonen eyes Open spot

Finland’s Mikko Ilonen, who has failed to qualify for the Open Championship five of the last six years, took a huge step towards Turnberry today with an opening six under par 65 in the 36-hole Asian qualifier in Singapore.

Four places in July’s event are up for grabs and the former British amateur champion, who missed the cut in last week’s Black Mountain Masters in Thailand, took a two-stroke lead into tomorrow’s final round.