Golf: Brown closer to Open start

New Zealander golfer Mark Brown's chances of starting in Thursday's British Open at Royal Birkdale have improved after two exempt players withdrew.

Brown has moved up to second reserve after England's Luke Donald pulled out with a wrist injury and David Toms advised organisers he was unable to compete.

Brown was fourth reserve prior to the withdrawals.

"I know it must be disappointing when players have to pull of a major championship like the British Open but the good news for me is that I've moved up to be second reserve," Brown told NZPA.

"At the start of the week I was always planning to go to Birkdale and just hang around and see what happens.

If Brown makes the field he will join Michael Campbell and David Smail.

Brown, who is playing in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, was in a tie for 31st at three under par after a third round 71, seven shots behind tournament leaders Simon Khan and Graham McDowell.

- NZPA