Several top European golfers hopes of Open qualification hang by a thread after 36 hole qualifying at Sunnigdale over the weekend. Notable names to miss out on the 18 places up for grabs include Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Rory McIlroy. Thomas Bjorn was forced to withdraw due to injury. Players who secured their places at Birkdale include Johan Edfors, Ross Fisher, Steve Webster and Phillip Archer, who was attempting Open qualifying for the 12th time. "It's just great- a dream" said Archer. Two time US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal did not fare so well. The Spaniard failed to qualify despite shooting 71 and 65. He is now set to take a lenghty break from golf, due to his ongoing struggle with fatigue after returning from 7 months out the game with rheumatism. "Because it's the Open it was a good reason to come, but it was bascially a test for me" said Olazabal. "I haven't played at all and can't practice much, so I wasn't really expecting great things". For those who didnt qualify, their only hope now is to finish in the top five of the upcoming European and Scottish Opens.