Pucay rallies but falls short

MANILA, Philippines - Mars Pucay fired a two-under par 70 but fell way behind in the race for four British Open berths in the Final Qualifying-Asia at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course in Singapore yesterday.

Pucay totalled 144 in the 36-hole elims, four shots behind the 140 of Tim Stewart of Australia, who shot a second straight 70 and beat eight others in the playoff to claim the fourth and last Open slot.

Indian Bhullar Gaganjeet turned in a 67 to top the event with a 136 while Liang Wen-chong of Taiwan (66-138) and Aussie Terry Pilkadaris (72-139) took the next two berths.

Artemio Murakami and Angelo Que, who had 72 and 74, respectively, in the first round, retired in the second round.