Former world number one David Duval, down to his last make-or-break chance to save a collapsed golf career, might just have accomplished the feat even though he didn't win the US Open.

The 38-year-old American settled for a share of second place after Monday's final round at Bethpage Black, but a 559,830-dollar paycheck should boost his chance to claim a spot among the top 125 money winners and a 2010 tour spot.

"I stand before you certainly happy with how I played but extremely disappointed in the outcome," Duval said. "I had no question in my mind I was going to win."

Duval, the 2001 British Open champion, had not won a title in nearly seven years and had not enjoyed a top-10 finish since 2002. He plays this year's US PGA season on a top-50 all-time money exemption, his last way to keep a spot.

His once-mighty game has floundered but Duval has steadfastly said he had nearly turned it around - for years.

"Maybe I will stop being asked if I'm playing well. My scores are not reflective of how I'm actually playing," Duval said.

Having slid to the bottom, Duval has a new understanding of his time on top.

"I may have taken it a little bit for granted years ago," Duval said.

"Having had to work hard over the course of years, I guess the best way to put it is I had a lot more fun out there in the heat of it than I have had on a golf course in a long time.

"I was just having a blast, so that probably qualifies as greater appreciation."

Duval, wearing his trademark sunglasses even for a final round played in overcast conditions, drew upon cheering vocal supporters of his reclamation bid within the New York area crowd, crediting his underdog role for his popularity.

"I think it's easier for people to relate to those who get kicked around a lot instead of guys like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, LeBron James," Duval said. "Those people are so few and far between."

Duval made three consecutive birdies to grab a share of the lead with Glover and Phil Mickelson, but fell back by lipping out a short par putt at 17 and could not recover.

Where his tournament might have turned, however, was at the par-3 third hole when his tee shot went into deep grass and his approach landed under the lip of a bunker on his way to a triple-bogey on the hole.

"I didn't quit," Duval said.


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