FILIPINO GOLFER QUALIFIES IN $2-M SARAZEN OPEN

Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 6, 1997 - Filipino Rodrigo Cuello is among a cast of 65 national open champions taking part in the cash-rich Gene Sarazen World Open Championship this week.

The annual Gene Sarazen World Open has a total purse of $1.9 million and a guaranteed prize of $5,000. It is being played, beginning today, at The Legends at Chateau Elan, a resort and winery north of Atlanta.

Cuello qualified for the event when he topped the Hong Kong Open.

Among the invitees are the winners of the four grand slam events - Tiger Woods (Masters), Davis Love III (PGA), Justin Leonard (British Open) and Ernie Els (US Open).

The winner gets $342,000 while he runner-up receives $205,000.

The event held in honor of the legendary golfer who won the first grand slam. I kicked off Nov. 4 with the par-3 championship; the pro-am tourney began yesterday.