Golf-Flintoff inspires Indian Kapur for British Open qualifying

LONDON, Apr 5 (Reuters) Shiv Kapur is hoping a meeting with England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff will inspire the young Indian to earn a debut appearance at the British Open in July.

Kapur is among 34 players competing in the two-day International Final Qualifying Asian leg starting tomorrow in Singapore, with three places up for grabs for the third major of the year at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England.

Most eyes will be on Kapur, 24, who enjoyed a spectacular rookie season last year, claiming his maiden victory at the Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok in December.

Kapur has found added spark from a meeting with Flintoff, who is leading England's cricketers on their tour of India.

''I picked Andrew's brains on how he approached the big occasions,'' said Kapur. ''Andrew has a lot of self confidence and self belief.

''He's an all-rounder, he never shies away from a challenge or adversity and he likes responsibility. It was great having the opportunity to spend time with him.'' Other hopefuls at the Sentosa Golf Club include Singapore's Mardan Mamat, who won the European Tour's Singapore Masters last month, and Asian Tour order of merit leader Andrew Buckle of Australia.

The British Open starts on July 20.

REUTERS SBJ RAI2331