STONEHAM’S Richard Bland has narrowly missed out on a spot in the Open Championship.

The European Tour pro nearly forced his way into a play-off in yesterday’s qualifying event at Sunningdale.

However, his 36-hole score of three-under-par was one shot off what was required.

Five-under would have guaranteed a place at Royal Lytham & St Annes next month, while four-under would have been enough to enter a sudden death shootout for the last few remaining spots.

Bland’s agonising result at the European section of international qualifying had echoes of his bid to reach another of this year’s major championships, the US Open.

Last month, he competed for a coveted place in the tournament, but also finished two shots off an automatic spot and one shy of a play-off on that occasion.

Fellow Hampshire professional Sam Hutsby yesterday missed out on a place in the Open as well, with the Liphook member finishing on two-over-par.

Both players will now turn their focus to the Irish Open, which begins on Thursday.

For the results from the first stage of regional qualifying, log on to dailyecho.co.uk later today.