By Sinead McIntyre, PA News

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A golf fan has claimed a ``slice'' of British Open winner David Duval's glory after one of the American's balls avoided landing on the rough when it bounced off his leg.

Franklin Sinclair, chairman of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, was watching the championship at Lancashire's Royal Lytham and St Anne's golf course on Sunday when Duval sliced the ball at the 14th hole.

It was heading for the rough but was diverted from its course after hitting the solicitor's leg and ricochetting back on to the fairway.

Duval, of Jacksonville, Florida, eventually won the tournament by three shots, picking up a cheque for £600,000.

Mr Sinclair, of Bowdon, Cheshire, said: ``He was three shots in the lead. He could have dropped a shot. I think I saved him a shot.

``He was very nice but when I was hit by the ball it was like being stabbed in the leg. It hit me full pelt right under the knee.

``David Duval came over and asked was I OK and thanked me for the help.''

The golfer, who is the world's number three, gave Mr Sinclair, 43, a personalised golf ball bearing the initials DD as a memento.

Mr Sinclair, who said he had been supporting British hopeful Colin Montgomerie, added that he had been watching golf tournaments for 30 years but had never been hit before.

``I don't think I'll be suing him though,'' he joked.