IT'S now down to Justin Rose - and possibly Richard Bland - to fly the Hampshire flag at Carnoustie next week after nine players missed out at Open Championship Local Final Qualifying.

Competing at one of four venues and chasing the three spots available from fields of 96 at each course, only one of the county's players threatened to make it through.

Former Ryder Cup player Steve Richardson was well placed after an opening 68 at Monifieth put him at three under and right in the mix. But a 75 in yesterday's second round gave the Lee-on-the-Solent player an aggregate of 143 which was eight strokes too many.

Corhampton amateur Neil Raymond played at the same course, but missed out by a long way after rounds of 80 and 75.

At Downfield, Rowlands Castle amateur Darren Wright was the best Hampshire player after two level par rounds of 73 for a creditable tied 29th result. He, too, missed out by eight strokes.

Hayling amateur Toby Burden was three shots further back and Brokenhurst head pro Bruce Parker further back after a pair of 79s.

Corhampton's Europro Tour player Steven Kattenhorn missed out at Montrose, coming in the middle of the field after scores of 72 and 74.

At Panmure, South Winchester's Andrew Cloke was the best performer - following up and opening 75 with a 71 for a share of 37th place. North Hants amateur Matt Allen was four shots further back after a pair of 75s, while East Horton's Russell Tate didn't complete yesterday's second round after shooting 80 on Monday.

With Justin Rose's Carnoustie place assured because of his top-50 world ranking (currently 21), Richard Bland is the only other Hampshire player who could win a spot at the year's third major.

He would, however, have to snap out of a disappointing run of results and finish as the highest-placed non-exempt player in the top ten of this week's Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

For Open Championship preview coverage don't miss this weekend's Pink and James Rose's golf round-up in Tuesday's Daily Echo.