YORK’S Rich Corner has narrowly missed out on joining fellow Minstermen Chris Thompson and Martyn Turner at next month’s Speedy Hire UK Open.

Corner agonisingly lost 6-5 to Nick Fulwell in the second round of the regional qualifier at Wigan when a win would have booked his place in the 96-strong field.

The Mitre player had earlier beaten David Coyne (6-4) and Steve Maish (6-4).

In the same competition, Turner bowed out 6-3 to Gary Welding in the third round having triumphed 6-4 against 2008 UK Open runner-up Gary Mawson – another non-qualifier for this year’s finals – and Michael Rosenauer (6-5).

Thompson fell at the first hurdle following a 6-2 defeat to upcoming prospect Chris Aubrey.

A 6-2 first round loss to Kevin McDine then sealed Corner’s fate at the final Wigan qualifier.

Former UK Open quarter-finalist Thompson lost to fellow Yorkshireman Joe Cullen 6-5 having overcome Adam Smith-Neale 6-4, while Turner went down 6-2 to Dave Chisnall in the preliminary round.

Thomson and Turner will take their places at the televised finals, having finished 57th and 78th respectively in the order of merit.

The UK Open, which will be screened live on Sky Sports, takes place at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium from June 2 to 5.