Cunliffe books Open berth after play-off

JOSH Cunliffe sunk a 20-foot eagle putt on the fourth extra play-off hole to see off fellow South African Oliver Bekker and Holland’s Joost Luiten and seal one of three places up for grabs at the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews.

The 26-year-old will join countrymen Jean Hugo and Darren Fichardt at the 150th anniversary of golf’s oldest major after the pair finished the rain-effected two-round International Final Qualifying in Johannesburg tied on six-under-par after a total of 136.

After a 70 on the opening day and looking well out of contention at five shots off the pace, Cunliffe fired three birdies in his last five holes, including the 17th and 18th.