Golf: Faldo qualifies for US Open

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo fired a three-under 69 yesterday to qualify for next week's US Open golf championship after finishing second in a sectional qualifying event in Florida.

The 46-year-old Englishman was forced to qualify for a major for the first time since 1976, but followed up an opening-round 70 to take one of the three places available from a field of 60 for the 104th US Open at Shinnecock Hills in New York.

Faldo joined 763 other players at 13 venues vying for 79 spots in next week's field. Among those who missed out in Florida was New Zealander Grant Waite who, after a first-round 72, withdrew.

Another New Zealander, Steve Alker, missed out in sectional play in Rockville, Maryland.

He shot 72 and 73 to finish eight shots off the fifth and final qualifying spot.