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Fichardt, Waring and Manley secure Open places
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Fichardt, Waring and Manley secure Open places

Darren Fichardt is looking forward to returning to The Open Championship after sealing his place at Royal Birkdale with victory at the Joburg Open.

Darren Fichardt, left, Stuart Manley, centre, and Paul Waring, right

Fichardt finished a single stroke clear of Stuart Manley and Paul Waring to lift the trophy, but all three players booked their spots at the year's third Major Championship.

The 41 year old, who claimed his fifth European Tour title on Sunday, has not played at The Open since 2010 and is delighted to be heading to Southport in July.

He said: "I love Birkdale and I am really looking forward to it. I think I’ve played (in the Open) six times before but I've had no success unfortunately."

Waring, who comes from the north west of England and made his last Open appearance at Royal Birkdale in 2008, said: "I’m absolutely made up, obviously going back to Birkdale as well.

"I’ve got some great memories from there. I played on the Sunday with (Phil) Mickelson as well so I am more than happy to get back there."

I’m absolutely made up, obviously going back to Birkdale as well - Paul Waring

Manley will be making his first appearance at a Major when he tees it up this summer.

He said: "I’ve been trying for many years at Open qualifying but I've never succeeded so I’m pretty pleased."

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