By IANS
Carnoustie (Scotland) : Former Asian Tour number one Jyoti Randhawa waited in vain Thursday at the British Open for a chance to take on the world's best players.
The Indian ace was the first reserve for the year's third Major and while he itched for action at the Carnoustie golf club here, he did not wish for any of the 156 players in the field to suffer a mishap.
"I didn't think I had much of a chance," Randhawa told the Asian Tour website. "But you never know, some one may pull out last minute.
"I was here from the first match (6.30 a.m.) till the last match (4.21 p.m.). I just kept practising while I waited."
The Indian star had a glimmer of hope Tuesday when Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain withdrew but American Tom Pernice, who was the highest ranked player available on the reserve list, decided to fly out from the US to Scotland.
"I'd love to play in another Major. I'm down to play the US PGA Championship next month but the British Open is always special. It's the tournament to play," said Randhawa, who finished tied 27th at Royal Troon in his last British Open appearance three years ago.
While he waited patiently for his Open chance, Randhawa, who finished sixth on last year's Asian Tour's Order of Merit, knows that his time in Europe will come as well. He came close at the Spanish Open, finishing one stroke back in second place.
Randhawa said that he had adapted well to conditions in Europe in what was his second season on the continent.
"I've gotten used to the different conditions. I've found my comfort zone and I'm waiting for a win. I hope it happens soon."