WEARSIDE'S Daniel Hair will be hoping the exciting form he showed at Silloth on Monday continues as he looks to seal a place in next week's Open, writes David Waterhouse.

A monstrous 60-foot putt in a eight-man play-off for the last qualifying spot ensured the 23-year-old Durham County player moved on to the next stage.

But he will have his work cut out this weekend at North Foreland over 36 arduous holes as he looks to qualify for Royal St Georges on Thursday.

He is joined by Eaglescliffe professional Graeme Bell while Consett's Stuart Ord, who carded an impressive 72 at Silloth, is at Royal Cinque Ports. Billingham pro Mike Ure also begins his Open bid at Princes alongside former Ryder Cup captain Mark James.

However, one player who will not be competing is Welsh Open champion Michael Skelton, who despite having his custom-made Titleist clubs stolen from the back of his car the previous Friday, still managed to finish on 76 - just one shot behind Hair.

Skelton's clubmate and fellow England Elite squad member Jonathan Lupton also failed to make the grade, carding a disappointing 79 at Alwoodley, as did Graeme Brass of Middlesbrough Municipal.

Despite shooting a respectable 71 at Ormskirk, former Durham County champion Richard Walker was also out of luck as were Seaton Carew duo James Harper and Michael Pilgrim, who carded rounds of 76 and 82 respectively.