Singaporean Lam on the rack at windswept Birkdale

By Tony Jimenez

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Lam Chih Bing, the first Singaporean to make the cut at a British Open, was left windswept and bemused after finishing with rounds of 83 and 81 at Royal Birkdale.

"I just don't know what happened," he told reporters on Sunday after finishing 83rd and last with a 31-over aggregate of 311. "I felt like I was two different players.

"I don't know what happened the last two days. It could be due to mental exhaustion."

The 31-year-old Lam, who had performed well in the difficult conditions with opening rounds of 72 and 75, hoped the experience of playing in high winds would serve him well in the future.

"If I can get through this, other events won't be that tough," he said. "There are a few things I need to work on my game as I failed terribly in the winds.

"I had mixed emotions. Although I was having a nightmare, I was still enjoying just being here.

"I can't really describe it. It kind of felt like an achievement to be here but it's disappointing. I didn't have it in me to play two more good rounds."

Lam, who has yet to win on his home tour in Asia, said he was still keen to return for the 2009 British Open at Turnberry.

(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)