91Èȱ¬

Gareth Maybin has secured a place at next month's Open Championship at Muirfield after carding rounds of 67 and 69 in qualifying at Sunningdale.

The scores left the Ballyclare golfer in a tie for third position in international final qualifying to claim one of the nine spots on offer.

The 32-year-old ended with two birdies and four pars and will be making only his third appearance at the Open.

Michael Hoey missed out as he finished outside the top 20 on a score of 140.

The Belfast player posted rounds of 71 and 69 on Monday.

European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley also missed out on qualification.

With one further qualification opportunity to come on 2 July, six Irish golfers have currently secured their places at the Open, namely Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, 2011 champion Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Maybin.

"My season has not been as good as I'd have liked so far so it's a good boost to qualify for a big money event like the Open," said Maybin.

"To play in majors is the pinnacle of golf and you want to test yourself at the highest level against the top players," he added.

The Open Championship will be played from 18-21 July.