INQUIRER Sports

SINGAPORE -- Malaysia's Danny Chia earned his second appearance at the British Open after winning the International Final Qualifying in Asia with a second successive three-under-par 69 on Wednesday.

Australian Adam Blyth will join Chia at Royal Birkdale in England in July after a sparkling 66 at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course while Filipino Angelo Que and Singapore's Lam Chih Bing survived a thrilling play-off against Japan's Tomohiro Kondo to earn the last two tickets.

Chia, who featured at the 2005 Open at St Andrews, produced superb birdies on the 16th and 17th holes for a six-under-par 138 total, one 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."

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."

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 26-year-old Aussie, who had his father Steve on caddying duty.

"I'm stoked to get into my first Major."

The tall Australian turned in 34 before making a bold charge with birdies on the 11th and then three more in succession from the 15th to 17th holes. However, he endured some anxious moments on 18, before holing a testing par putt from four feet.

"I have never been so nervous... It was only four feet but you're thinking about what the putt is for," said Blyth.

Lam, Que and Kondo ended the 36-hole qualifier tied on 140 after rounds of 68, 71 and 70 respectively and needed extra time to determine the final two qualifiers.

Local hope Lam, who played in his first Open at Carnoustie last year, was the first to seal his place at Royal Birkdale with a 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."

Que will be the first Filipino since Frankie Minoza in 1998 to qualify for the Open. He earned his appearance in style after holing a monster 40-foot birdie putt at the fourth extra hole to snuff out Kondo's hopes.

"It feels great," said Que. "Finally, I've got a chance to play in The Open. It's an honor for me to represent the Philippines ...a dream come true."