Fab Baker boy back in Open

He will now line up alongside Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and the best of the rest for golf's third Major of the season at Carnoustie.

That achievement represents the latest steps on a stunning revival for Baker - still an honorary member at Lilleshall Hall where he began his career.

A star of the 1993 European Ryder Cup team, Baker's best days appeared behind him as he tumbled off the main European Tour after a string of poor results.

But he has showed signs of a remarkable recovery on the Challenge Tour in the last two weeks with a win - his first for 14 years - and a fifth placed finish.

And he was once again in top form yesterday as two rounds of 68 booked his place in the elite field.

Despite two bogeys in the final three holes of the morning round on the Old Course, Baker was in contention to seal a qualification berth at lunchtime on two-under-par.

The news got even better on the New course with three birdies in his first 14 holes before two dropped shots left his qualification in doubt.

But the former Shropshire & Herefordshire and Amateur and Open champion drew on all his experience to birdie the final hole for a second successive 68.

Baker's close friend Ian Woosnam narrowly failed to make it a double Shropshire celebration as Oswestry's former Ryder Cup captain missed out by four shots.

But Woosnam would have been happy simply to be playing after seeing the first half of his season ruined by post-viral fatigue syndrome.

"I got tired the last nine holes. I just collapsed, but I got round," said Woosnam after rounds of 69 and 71.

"My feet are aching, my legs are aching. I've mostly been playing in a buggy the last couple of months.

"I'm only 60-70 per cent. I got a virus in Asia and it took me over the top.

"I've basically got to rest. I've bashed my body for 30 years. People have taken 10 to 15 years to get over this, but hopefully I can play every week now."

By James Garrison