Bhalotia in final stage of British Open qualifiers

Indrajit Bhalotia held his nerve in a five-way play-off at in the first stage at Tretham, to make it to the final qualifying stage of the prestigious British Open golf championship.

The final stage will be held on July 14 and 15 at Galan, where Bhalotia is drawn to face Australia's Richard Green.

Among the other Indians to make it to the final stage are European Tour regulars, Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal. However, Jeev and Atwal stand a chance of qualifying directly into the main draw if they finish in the top-30 at the Scottish Open which commences at Loch Lomond on Thursday, July 11.

Earlier, the Mayor International-sponsored Bhalotia tallied a one-under 71 to move into the play-off. He emerged triumphant on the fourth play-off hole after managing to stay in the hunt two holes earlier courtesy a well-made 15-feet putt.

"It was a very testing round of golf and I am really happy with the way I held my nerve. This will do wonders for my confidence in the final stage qualifiers," said the 30-year old Kolkatan.

Bhalotia's round of 71 included birdies on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 13th and bogeys on the 1st, 10th, 15th and 16th.