Sentosa, April 1: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, one of the brightest young talent on the Asian Tour, fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in a Major when he carded a four-under-par 67 to win the International Final Qualifying – Asia on Wednesday.

The Indian’s two-day of six-under-par 136 ensured that he will be gracing the fairways and playing amongst the world’s elite at the British Open in Turnberry, Scotland in July.

China’s Liang Wen-chong fired a sparking 66 to secure his second appearance at The Open while Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris had to endure a nervous wait before learning that he had also earned his ticket to the world’s oldest Major with his 72 on the second round.

Australia’s Tim Stewart meanwhile had to survive a gripping play-off to earn the last of the four tickets at stake after nine players were tied at two-under at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course.

Starting the day in tied-eighth and four shots off the lead, Bhullar knew that he had to play the game of his life in order to stand any chance of making the trip to Scotland.

“I actually set a target of five-under for today, although I managed to finish in four-under. But it’s okay. I’m really happy now that I’m on my way to the British Open,” said a visibly delighted Bhullar.

The 20-year-old year Indian from Kapurthala has posted three top-10s in the six events that he has played on the Asian Tour so far and credited his sports psychologist for helping to turn his game around.

“I played really well today and it’s all thanks to Dr Pradeep Aggarwal whom has helped me a lot in improving my mental strength. Without his teachings, I doubt I would have gone this far,” said Bhullar, who enjoyed a blemish free round highlighted by four birdies.

“I’ve been watching the British Open since I was a kid and to actually get to play there is truly a dream come true,” added Bhullar.

Liang, the first mainland Chinese to play in all four rounds at the Open last year is also delighted with the chance to return again.

“I played really well today. My tee shots and putts were all spot-on and I couldn’t ask for a better performance,” said Liang who mixed his card with an eagle on the par-four four with three birdies.

“I hope to continue playing well and hopefully put Asia on the world map with a good showing in July,” added Liang who was Asia’s number one in 2007.

Pilkadaris, who made his maiden British Open appearance at Carnoustie in 2007, was a relieved man after ending the 36-hole qualifier with a performance that he thought had cost him his chance of making the grade.

“I played horrendous today. I put myself under lots of pressure by hitting into the trees with my drives and was always scrambling to recover,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner.

The Australian, who teed off on the back-nine, got off strongly with a birdie on the 11th. However, his game started to fall apart with bogeys on 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th holes and he had to make the turn in three-over.

Pilkadaris’s mixed two more bogeys with an eagle and two birdies in his inward nine to eventually return with a 72.

“I thought I had missed my chance with the way I played today. I had to wait around for a couple of hours and finally when the news came, I’m really relieved,” said Pilkadaris.

After closing with a 70 in regulation play, Stewart joined eight other players in a nerve-wreaking play-off to decide the fourth and final slot for The Open.

“It’s pretty heart-stopping stuff out there. I’ve already booked a taxi to the airport and was called back for the play-off,” said Stewart.

“I’m simply delighted with the way things are going and this performance definitely ranks right up there at the top for me,” said the Australian who eventually prevailed in the nine-men play-off.

Overnight leader, Mikko Ilonen of Finland missed out on his fifth appearance at The Open when he carded a disappointing 77 to finish in tied-20th place on 142.

“I putted really bad all day and I absolutely did not play well today, especially ending with a double-bogey on the last hole,” said Ilonen.