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Abery books place in British Open
YOUR E-MAIL ALERTSSUN CITY, South Africa -- South Africa's Warren Abery has booked a place at this year's British Open by winning the African qualifying tournament. Abery carded a second round 70 to add to his 66 as he claimed first place on six-under 136 at the par-71 Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. South Africans Ross Wellington and Thomas Aiken and American Bruce Vaughn clinched the other places at July's Open, which will be held at Hoylake. The South African event was the first of five international qualifiers with Australasia, Asia, Europe and America hosting the others ahead of the July 20-23 Open. Wellington returned a round of 68 to take sole second place on five-under-par while Aiken (67) and Vaughn (69) were a further stroke behind. "I am at a loss for words," said 32-year-old Abery. "This is the ultimate achievement, it's what every golfer dreams of -- to play at the oldest, most prestigious tournament in the world of golf. "I must admit I was a little apprehensive this morning but I settled down quickly. But coming down the last five holes my nerves really got going. I just kept telling myself to play conservatively, pick my shots, get the pars." Aiken made a birdie on the 18th to ensure his place after his 98-meter approach to the par-four hit the flag leaving him an easy birdie putt. "I'm telling you, my heart was beating in my throat over the last four holes," said Aiken. "I really, really wanted this. We are already set for accommodation at Hoylake, I just had to do the job today and get us there. This is a huge opportunity for me, one that I have wanted for as long as I can remember." Wellington added: "I knew I would get nervous. These are big stakes and this is a tough course. I just kept reminding myself to take things a shot at a time." Veteran Vaughn earned a second trip to the Open after his maiden visit to Turnberry in 1994. "I qualified for the Open by finishing second on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit in 1993-1994," he said. "We stayed in a house not too far from Turnberry and I shot a 69 in the first round. Then I almost missed my tee time the second round and had to run down the first with my clubs in hand, leaving my caddy somewhere in the distance." "I missed the cut by one and it is one of my greatest regrets. This time I plan to do it right all the way." 
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