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Randhawa must sit and wait for Open chance

India’s Jyoti Randhawa is bracing for a long day ahead at the British Open on Thursday as he waits anxiously for a chance to take on the world’s best players.

The former Asian Tour number one is first reserve for the year’s third Major and while he is itching for action at Carnoustie, he will not wish for any of the 156 players in the field to suffer a mishap.

“I don’t think I’ve got much of a chance,” said Randhawa today. “But you will never know, some one may pull out the last minute. But I’m not going to be wishing for that to happen.

“Let’s hope that I will get a chance. I’ll be here from the first match (at 6.30am) tomorrow till the last match (4.21pm). I’ll just keep practising while waiting for my chance.”

The Indian star was given a glimmer of hope when Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain withdrew on Tuesday but American Tom Pernice, who was the highest ranked player available on the reserve list, decided to fly out from the United States to Scotland.

Randhawa has played superbly in recent months, coinciding with the arrival of his first child - a son - and has notched up two top-10s and three other top-25s in Europe since May.

“I’d love to play in another Major. I’m down to play the US PGA Championship next month but the British Open is always special. It’s the tournament to play, and if I can do that, it’ll be good,” said Randhawa, who finished tied 27th at Royal Troon three years ago.

“It’s the gathering of the world’s best players. That’s where I want to compete.”

While he awaits patiently for his Open chance, Randhawa, who finished sixth on last year’s Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, knows that his time will come as well in Europe. He came close at the Spanish Open, finishing one shot back in second place.

Randhawa said that he has adapted well to conditions in Europe in what is his second season on the continent. “I’ve gotten used to the different conditions. I’ve found my comfort zone and I’m waiting for a win. I hope it happens soon.

“It’s been great. I’ve been doing well since my son Zoravar was born. I’ve got more responsibilities but it’s been good. I’ve got my family travelling with me the last four weeks and it’s nice as I won’t miss them.”

July 18, 2007