CHORLEY'S Nick Dougherty has narrowly missed out on qualifying for this year’s Open championship.

The Shaw Hill professional carded rounds of 68 and 67 in final qualifying at Sunningdale today, but it was not enough to make the top 10 places that guarantee berths for the event at Royal St George's. It was a brave effort from Dougherty, who earned his qualifying spot after late withdrawals over the weekend.

The withdrawals of Richard Finch and Felipe Aguilar opened the door for Andrew Coltart and Dougherty to take part in the 36-hole event.