Gritty Shubhankar qualifies for US Open

Shubhankar Sharma's magnificent year continued as the Indian grabbed a spot in next week's US Open Golf Championships with a solid display of 69-68 in the qualifiers here.

The prestigious tournament will be held at the the Shinnecock Hills.

In the qualifiers held at Brookside GCC and Lakes Golf and Country Club, the 21-year-old was tied fifth.

Two other Indians -- Shiv Kapur -- playing the qualifier at Walton Heath, Surrey -- Arjun Atwal -- playing in Tennessee -- failed to earn a spot.

A thrilled Sharma said, "It was a great day for me. It was a long one with 36 holes but I am glad I played the Brookside in the morning as it is tougher with smaller greens. I grinded it out for a 69."
"I hit a 9-Iron, which stayed short and again in the rough, thick lie. But I made a great up and down. I hit a good chip to 10 feet and holed it for par. At that stage I did not know the scores and felt that I needed to make par to have any chance."