I'M GONNA PADDLE LIKE IT'S 1999

COUNTDOWN TO NEXT WEEK'S OPEN Calamity Jean to wade in again Jean Van De Velde will be back at The Open next week after coming through local qualifying yesterday with the help of a last-hole birdie. The Frenchman, who famously blew his chance to win the Claret Jug at the 72nd hole in 1999, missed a return to Carnoustie last year with a cancer scare. And due to a combination of injury and illness - he was finally diagnosed with glandular fever last year - the 42-year-old has not teed up in The Open since 2005. But he will now play at Royal Birkdale after following his opening 70 with a 73 at nearby Hillside yesterday to make one of 12 qualifying spots by a single shot. "It means a lot to be playing in it again," said Van de Velde. "There are only two tournaments a year I want to play in and play good in - the French Open and... [read full story]