Italian Open

Adrien Saddier and Martin Couvra will compete at The Open for the first time after qualifying in Tuscany.

Both men booked their places at Royal Portrush thanks to their performances at the Italian Open, part of the Open Qualifying Series, where Saddier was winner and Couvra runner-up.

The triumph marked 33-year-old Saddier’s first victory on the DP World Tour, finishing at 14-under-par - two shots clear of fellow Frenchman Couvra – after an excellent 4-under-par final round of 66.

Couvra, aged 23, is regarded as one of the top young prospects on the tour and is fresh from victory at last month’s Turkish Airlines Open.

Two places were available at Portrush through the event, which was staged at Argentario Golf Club in Tuscany from 26 to 29 June.