JACK NICKLAUS yesterday accepted a special exemption to the 1997 US Open. This extends two of the most remarkable sporting streaks as he will thus compete in his 41st consecutive Open and his 142nd successive major championship.

For the 56-year-old Golden Bear, one of only four players to win the US Open on four occasions, it is his fifth special exemption handed out by the USGA since 1991.

Nicklaus, who will line up in the event at the Congressional Country Club near Washington DC, said: "I'm honoured. I really wasn't expecting this, but if the USGA has enough confidence in me to extend an exemption, then I'm delighted to accept."