ONE MORE EVENT FOR ANNIKA

Annika Sorenstam has confirmed that she will take a temporary step back from retirement and play in an 'Annika bonanza' in February.

"It's called the Annika Celebration," said the Swede, who is generally regarded as the greatest female golfer on her generation.

"It's really an event that IMG (her management company) is putting together to help me raise some money for my foundation to help me get it off to a little more than a kick-start.

"But it's also their (IMG's) way of celebrating my career and what I've achieved.

"It's a three-day event. We'll be starting with a Pro-Am and then we have an exhibition match with Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and I think Natalie Gulbis and myself.

"It will take place at Reunion in Orlando, just where my academy is. Again, it's something that IMG is putting together; all of my sponsors are involved. We are tieing it in with a Super Bowl party, so it should be little bit more on the lighter side than it has been in the past."

Did playing in events mean Sorenstam was keeping the door open for a full time return to tournament golf?

"Well, that's the beauty of it, I suppose. I have the option to do that, and maybe that's why I feel even more that I won't. Never say never, but on the other hand, I feel great right now. This is what I've been waiting for (stepping away from the professional circuit)."

She added: "Walking down the 18th (in her final event in Dubai), I felt so much at peace. I know the time is right.

"I have had 15 wonderful years. I have achieved more than I ever thought I could.

"I cannot ask for anymore. I have given it all from start to finish. I just don't have it any more in me, and there's no need for me to be out here and continue to reminisce, continue to push something that's not there.

"On the contrary, I would like to leave it where I feel really good about it. I've always said that to my friends and my family; that is last thing I want to do is be out playing and have a fan, say, hey, I remember when she could play. That's just not me.

"I give it all, and if I can't give it all, I'll do something else and that time is here."


Culpepper misses practice with shoulder sprain
SORENSTAM SET FOR FAREWELL
Cowboys’ Romo (back) expects to play Sunday

PADRAIG: MAKE SEVE AN AMBASSADOR

Padraig Harrington has hit out at golf's administrators for not doing enough to honour Seve Ballesteros.

The Irishman feels Ballesteros, who is recovering from a brain tumour, should be made an ambassador of the European Tour.

Ballesteros has started a course of chemotherapy after being released on December 9 from a Madrid hospital.

Harrington told the Sunday Express: "It is a shame that in recent years Seve has not been leading out the European Tour as an ambassador.

"He has that charisma and just needs to enter a room for everyone to know he is there.

"It's only when something like this happens that you see how much he is missed, so I hope the Tour can build more of a relationship with him and have him at the forefront of our Tour."


FOURTH BRAIN OP FOR BALLESTEROS
CHEMOTHERAPY STARTS FOR SEVE
Titans owner says Young remains QB of future

WOODS UNHAPPY WITH WILLIAMS

Tiger Woods has admitted he was "disappointed" by comments made by his caddie Steve Williams about rival Phil Mickelson.

Williams made disparaging remarks about world number three Mickelson at a charity event in New Zealand at the weekend.

"I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect," Woods said in a statement.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

Mickelson has also been scathing of Williams, who has served as Woods' caddy since 1999.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones (Jim MacKay) on my bag and representing me," Mickelson said in a statement.


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HARMON: CADDIE COMMENTS ‘DEPLORABLE’
WILLIAMS TO KEEP JOB WITH WOODS

McILROY RUES DREADFUL START

Rory McIlroy believes that a better start to his final round at the South African Open could well have seen him clinch the title ahead of eventual winner Richard Sterne.

The South African claimed his second title in seven days - he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship the previous Sunday - when he defeated McIlroy's countryman Gareth Maybin in a play-off at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

McIlroy held a three-stroke lead over the eventual winner after three rounds, but his final-round 70 was four shots worse off as he ended with a total of 13-under 275.

And that score could have been much better had the 19-year-old not begun with two double bogeys on his opening two holes.

"I had an absolutely horrendous start," McIlroy said afterwards. "Two sixes is just...(if) I made two fours (I would have) won the tournament by three or two."

That was the worst it got for the Holywood golfer as he bounced back with a faultless next 16 holes that included four birdies and an eagle.

He continued: "I played the last 12 holes in six under, so to come back from that (start), it was a really great effort. I held my second shot on nine and I birdied 10 straight after.

"It was a roller coaster round, but I came back. I came back well again and I'm just very happy about that."

It was a good response at his second co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event in a row after he missed last week's cut at the Leopard Creek Golf Club.

"Last week I didn't play that badly. I was just a little bit rusty after a couple of weeks at home," he said. "The weather is so bad at home that I didn't really get much practice in.

"Then this week I came back, practiced Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and I was well prepared for the tournament.

"I went out and I played really nice golf and it's obviously a great way to end the year, and now I'm looking forward to all the things that are coming my way in the new year."

The reward for his flying finish to 2008 is a certain debut at the Masters next April - the world's top 50 after this week win an automatic place at the first major of the year.

He added: "It's obviously very nice (to be playing in the Masters).

"It's been an absolutely great year and to get to play at Augusta in my second season, making the top 50 in the world and staying there, I had to go out this week and I played pretty well and I did that.

"I'm over the moon."


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McILROY ON THE BRINK
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WILLIAMS TO KEEP JOB WITH WOODS

Tiger Woods will not sack his caddy Steve Williams despite remarks he made at a charity dinner about Phil Mickelson.

In the Taranaki Daily News, Williams was quoted as saying, "I think he's a (expletive)."

The following day Williams told another newspaper that he said the comments were accurate and that the two do not get along.

Woods had tried to defuse the situation earlier this week, but after Mickelson shot back with a statement of his own, Woods was forced to address the issue at his press conference on Wednesday.

"Yeah, what ended up happening is I communicated with Phil, and we have discussed it," Woods said.

"I talked to Stevie about it, and he feels bad, what happened.

It's something that none of us really wanted to have happen, but it's over and done with and we put it to bed."

Williams has been the caddy for Woods for all but one of his 14 major championships and Woods, who confirmed Williams would be with him in 2009.

"Yeah, he'll be on the bag," Woods said.

Woods had issued a statement on Monday that he hoped would bring an end to the controversy.

"I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect," Woods said in the statement.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

But Mickelson was clearly still unhappy, and responded himself.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments, all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones (Jim Mackay) on my bag and representing me," Mickelson said.


HARMON: CADDIE COMMENTS ‘DEPLORABLE’
Another loss for Vikes’ D? Robison has surgery
Hearing delayed for accused in Williams’ death

CHEMOTHERAPY STARTS FOR SEVE

Seve Ballesteros has started a course of chemotherapy as he continues his recovery from a brain tumour.

Ballesteros returned to his home in northern Spain on Thursday from Madrid, where he was released from hospital on December 9.

"Today is Friday, and I have started me first chemotherapy session," Ballesteros said in a statement on his website.

"At this point, my thought is to rest and follow the neurosurgeon doctors Heredero, Isla and Perez Alvarez's indications - as well as the oncologist doctor Cristobel Belda's advice."

Ballesteros, a five-time major winner, was admitted to hospital in October after collapsing.

The 51-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a lengthy operation on October 24 to reduce pressure on his brain and remove remaining tumour tissues following two previous operations.

On November 18 he had recovered sufficiently to leave intensive care but was readmitted a fortnight later for further surgery.

In Friday's statement, he said he would provide a further update on his condition next month.

STERNE SECURES SOUTH AFRICAN DOUBLE

Richard Sterne claimed his second title in seven days by edging out Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin on the first play-off hole in the South African Open on Sunday.

Sterne, who also won the Alfred Dunhill Championship last Sunday, shot a final round of 66 to finish 14 under par at Pearl Valley Golf Estates as overnight leader Lee Westwood struggled to a closing 73 to finish one behind.

Maybin had a chance to win on the final hole of regulation but saw his birdie putt from eight feet lip out, and when the players returned to the 18th in sudden death Sterne produced a birdie four to claim victory.

Westwood shared third with Rory McIlroy and four-time winner Ernie Els, who had set the clubhouse target after a

scintillating final round of 64.

English pair Richard Finch and Chris Wood - fifth in the Open as an amateur in July - and South African duo Branden Grace and Retief Goosen were a shot further back on 12 under.

Sterne was delighted to get his name alongside the former winners of the world's second oldest Open championship.

"The SA Open is so prestigious and the names on the trophy are just unbelievable," he said.

"To be on there has always been a dream and a goal. I may need to set a few new goals after this one."

The 27-year-old added: "I made a good save on the first hole today from around 15 feet for par and I think that's what kept me in the tournament.

"That was just a massive putt right there. I was quite surprised to see that no one was running away with it.

"Obviously Ernie made a big move, but going into my back nine I just said that if could just get to 14 or 15 under, you never know what can happen coming down the stretch."

Reflecting on his birdie putt to win in regulation, Maybin said: "I just couldn't keep it straight to be honest. I had a reasonable putt, but just lagged it a little bit.

"Obviously I just came up a little short, but all in all I'm very happy with myself and the way I held up."

Earlier in the day, a poor start by Westwood blew the tournament wide open after he recorded four bogeys in his first eight holes.

A poor start proved costly too for McIlroy after he began with double bogeys on the first and second, but he was faultless thereafter with four birdies and an eagle to cement his place in the world's top 50 and secure his Masters debut next April.

He said: "It's obviously very nice (to be playing in the Masters).

"It's been an absolutely great year and to get to play at Augusta in my second season, making the top 50 in the world and staying there, I had to go out this week and I played pretty well and I did that.

"I'm over the moon."

World number eight Henrik Stenson, the highest ranked player in the field, ended with a disappointing 73 to finish five under.

Collated final round scores & totals in the European Tour SA Open Championship, Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

274 Richard Sterne (Rsa) 72 69 67 66 (Richard Sterne won at the first extra play-off hole), Gareth Maybin 66 69 69 70

275 Rory McIlroy 70 68 67 70, Ernie Els (Rsa) 67 67 77 64, Lee Westwood 66 68 68 73

276 Chris Wood 68 69 71 68, Richard Finch 69 70 71 66, Retief Goosen (Rsa) 70 66 69 71, Branden Grace (Rsa) 69 67 73 67

277 Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 69 71 70 67

278 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 66 71 74 67, Fabrizio Zanotti (Par) 64 72 73 69, Michael Hoey 70 66 73 69

279 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) 67 65 72 75, Damien McGrane 70 64 72 73, Ake Nilsson (Rsa) 66 72 72 69, David Frost (Rsa) 68 72 71 68, Ross McGowan 66 70 71 72

280 Martin Wiegele (Aut) 69 68 74 69, Peter Hanson (Swe) 74 68 70 68, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 72 70 68 70, David Horsey 70 65 76 69, Gary Murphy 72 71 67 70, Oskar Henningsson (Swe) 65 74 71 70, George Coetzee (Rsa) 69 68 68 75

281 John Mellor 70 68 71 72, Thomas Aiken (Rsa) 71 64 75 71, Richie Ramsay 66 72 75 68, Garth Mulroy (Rsa) 70 71 69 71, Len Mattiace (USA) 70 66 71 74

282 Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 69 65 78 70, Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa) 66 71 71 74, Darren Fichardt (Rsa) 67 74 71 70

283 David Drysdale 74 68 70 71, Callum Mccaulay 71 69 74 69, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 70 71 69 73

284 Hennie Otto (Rsa) 68 72 72 72, Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 70 68 72 74, Simon Dyson 67 73 68 76, Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 70 70 72 72, Gary Lockerbie 72 69 69 74, Alessandro Tadini (Ita) 68 74 66 76, Christiaan Basson (Rsa) 73 69 71 71, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 70 70 73 71, Carlos Del moral (Spa) 69 68 77 70, Tim Clark (Rsa) 67 73 70 74

285 Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 74 69 68 74, Estanislao Goya (Arg) 70 72 74 69, Bernd Wiesberger (Aut) 72 69 65 79, Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa) 72 67 71 75

286 Lee Slattery 68 72 71 75, Keith Horne (Rsa) 66 70 74 76, Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa) 72 71 70 73, Darren Clarke 74 67 67 78, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 69 74 71 72, Johan Edfors (Swe) 72 70 70 74

287 Alan McLean 71 72 73 71, Dion Fourie (Rsa) 70 71 70 76, Peter Karmis (Rsa) 69 71 74 73

288 Patrik Sjoland (Swe) 72 69 73 74, Justin Rose 69 74 71 74

289 Adrian Ford (Rsa) 70 71 75 73, Andrew Coltart 71 72 67 79, Ariel Canete (Arg) 73 70 72 74

290 Birgir Hafthorsson (Ice) 71 72 74 73, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 69 73 67 81, Pelle Edberg (Swe) 71 71 69 79, Jake Roos (Rsa) 70 70 74 76, Wil Besseling (Ned) 75 68 73 74, Marco Ruiz (Par) 69 73 73 75, Antti Ahokas (Fin) 71 69 79 71, Tyrone Ferreira (Rsa) 74 69 73 74

291 Steve Basson (Rsa) 72 71 74 74

292 Jeppe Huldahl (Den) 69 71 73 79

293 Albert Pistorius (Rsa) 68 75 76 74

294 Merrick Bremner (Rsa) 71 69 71 83


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STERNE MAKES MOST OF RIVALS’ STUMBLES
Hearing held for man in shooting of Jags’ Collier

ASIAN TOUR HITS OUT AT 'INVADERS'

The Asian Tour have hit out at attempts to create a new regional tour and say they will not be involved with the plan.

The OneAsia Tour has been proposed by the Australasian Tour in a bid that would effectively merge the two bodies together.

However, the Asian Tour's executive chairman Kyi Hla Han says he is ''appalled'' by such talk and has described the move as an attempt to "invade" Asia.

In a statement, Han said: ''In view of recent news articles, the Asian Tour would like to categorically state that we will not support or be involved in the formation of a new regional tour in Asia."

The Asian Tour proposed an alternative plan earlier in the year - the introduction of an Asia-Pacific Golf Championship, a series of four to six World Golf Championship-styled events to be staged across the region featuring the best players from the Asian, Japanese and Australasian tours.

With this in mind, Han added: ''The Australasian Tour, which has initiated the formation of the OneAsia Tour, has subsequently held meetings in Asia without inviting the Asian Tour to these meetings, which we view as going against the spirit of co-operation and an attempt to 'invade' Asia.

''The Asian Tour has been the official sanctioning body for professional golf tournaments in Asia over the past 14 years and represents players from 26 nationalities and travels to 17 different countries to stage tournaments, which in 2008 held a record 30 events with an unprecedented US$39 million in total prize money.

''Hence, we are appalled with the Australasian Tour's attempt to create another tour in this region as the Asian Tour has already successfully achieved this objective with our well-documented growth over the past decade.''


PGA TOUR DATES CONFIRMED
WIE SECURES LPGA TOUR CARD
Titans’ Finnegan fined $25K for hits on Schaub

SINGH CLAIMS CHALLENGE TITLE

Vijay Singh took advantage of stumbling finishes by Jim Furyk and Anthony Kim to win the Chevron World Challenge by one shot.

Two strokes off the pace overnight, world number five Singh calmly rolled in a 10-foot downhill putt to birdie the par-four 18th and clinch his fourth victory of the year.

The smooth-swinging Fijian birdied four of the last eight holes at Sherwood Country Club on the way to a sparkling five-under-par 67 and an 11-under total of 277 in the elite tournament hosted by Tiger Woods.

Singh's playing partner Steve Stricker closed with a 68 to secure second place while third-round leader Kim (73) had to settle for a share of third at seven under with fellow American Hunter Mahan (68).

Furyk, who had briefly forged two ahead after a burst of three birdies from the third, dropped four shots in the last three holes for a 74 and a tie for fifth at five under with Colombia's Camilo Villegas (73).

Speaking after clinching victory, Singh, whose closing round included six birdies and a lone bogey, said: "I just hung in there. I thought Jimmy Furyk was playing so well and Anthony so I just had to keep pace.

"My thought was if I shot a 67 or 68 I may have a good chance and it ended up being what I needed.

"I really played solid. I hit a lot of greens, a lot of fairways and didn't make too many mistakes.

"The putter started working and when I got it inside of eight and 10 feet, I made a lot of putts coming in."


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STENSON IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

PGA TOUR DATES CONFIRMED

The PGA Tour has finalised its full schedule for 2009 with a slight overall increase in prize money.

The itinerary for the regular season was announced in November and the dates for the Fall Series - which will determine the top 125 on the money list and playing priorities for 2010 - have now been confirmed.

Tour commissioner Tim Finchem is delighted with a calendar drawn up in a deteriorating economic climate.

"Once again, we believe we have a very strong line-up of fall tournaments for our fans, sponsors and players," Finchem said in a statement.

"We are working on a couple of options for the week of November 2-8 and will announce that week as soon as it is finalised."

The Fall Series will start in early October with the US$6 million Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, New York, one week after the culmination of the FedExCup play-offs.

The Disney Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Florida from November 12-15 brings the season to a close.

A total of 47 events feature on the full schedule - a reduction of just one from 2008 - with the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship launching the season in Kapalua, Hawaii from January 8-11.


WIE SECURES LPGA TOUR CARD
SORENSTAM SET FOR FAREWELL
Another loss for Vikes’ D? Robison has surgery

WOODS' POSITION UNDER THREAT

Both Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington could soon be within striking distance of Tiger Woods at the top of the world rankings.

Out of action since June because of knee surgery and unlikely to return until just before The Masters in April, Woods' lead has now shrunk from 11.3 to 3.8 points.

Garcia, nearly 15 points behind when he entered 2008 in 12th place, goes into 2009 as number two and the man most likely to topple the American.

But Open and USPGA champion Harrington, who has improved from eighth to fourth this year, will have a chance too if he is fast off the blocks on his return to action.

Woods has been at the head of the rankings for a total of 529 weeks in his career. The last player to take the top spot from him was Vijay Singh in June 2005.

Third-placed Phil Mickelson, whose rivalry with Woods has been given added spice by derogatory comments made by Woods' caddie Steve Williams two weeks ago, has never been number one, but he too may have an opportunity in the coming months.

England's Justin Rose is one of five men who have fallen out of the top 10 during the year. The others are Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Adam Scott and KJ Choi.

The players to replace them are Garcia, Robert Karlsson, Camilo Villegas, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood, while the biggest move into the top 50 has come from 19-year-old Rory McIlroy, who began 2008 at 232nd and ends it 39th.

Leading positions at end of 2008 (start of year positions in brackets:

1 (1) Tiger Woods 11.96pts, 2 (12) Sergio Garcia 8.10, 3 (2) Phil Mickelson 7.02, 4 (8) Padraig Harrington 6.95, 5 (10) Vijay Singh 6.64, 6 (41) Robert Karlsson 5.08, 7 (56) Camilo Villegas 4.89, 8 (16) Henrik Stenson 4.76, 9 (4) Ernie Els 4.76, 10 (23) Lee Westwood 4.73, 11 (75) Anthony Kim 4.44, 12 (13) Geoff Ogilvy 4.44, 13 (3) Jim Furyk 4.30, 14 (92) Kenny Perry 3.88, 15 (5) Steve Stricker 3.87, 16 (24) Stewart Cink 3.85, 17 (7) Adam Scott 3.80, 18 KJ Choi (9) 3.74, 19 (6) Justin Rose 3.58, 20 (19) Trevor Immelman 3.40

Other leading Europeans:

22 (38) Miguel Angel Jimenez, 25 (76) Martin Kaymer, 26 (22) Ian Poulter, 29 (84) Ross Fisher, 31 (17) Luke Donald, 33 (106) Graeme McDowell, 39 (232) Rory McIlroy, 40 (101) Oliver Wilson, 41 (21) Paul Casey, 47 (46) Soren Hansen, 50 (69) Soren Kjeldsen, 55 (54) Peter Hanson, 62 (61) Carl Pettersson, 67 (82) Fredrik Jacobson, 70 (225) Darren Clarke, 73 (291) Alvaro Quiros, 76 (90) Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, 78 (48) Nick Dougherty, 79 (177) Francesco Molinari, 86 (161) Peter Hedblom, 89 (50) Anders Hansen, 90 (534) Gareth Maybin, 96 (689) Pablo Larrazabal, 97 (187) Alexander Noren


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STENSON IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

NICKLAUS AND SORENSTAM BACK OLYMPIC GOLF

Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam have joined the campaign to put golf back into the Olympics.

The International Golf Federation today named Nicklaus and Sorenstam as Global Ambassadors in support of the bid.

The International Olympic Committee will vote in Copenhagen next October on whether to add two new sports to the 2016 Olympic Games. The last time golf was on the programme was 1904.

"As a player and now a course designer, I have seen the game of golf enjoy tremendous growth worldwide - and we are seeing the game introduced and grow in new countries and markets every day," said Nicklaus.

"Golf truly embodies the Olympic spirit - with a foundation built upon honour, integrity, dignity and sportsmanship.

"I believe with its inclusion, golf can strengthen the Olympic movement throughout the world. At the same time, it can have a tremendous impact on the growth of golf - where it is a developing sport. I'm pleased to lend my support to the cause."

Sorenstam, who retired as a player last week, stated: "It is an honour and privilege to take an active role in assisting golf's bid to become an Olympic sport.

"Now, as I step aside from competitive golf, a major objective of mine is to help grow the game around the world - and I can think of no better way to grow it than through the Olympics."


Fisher OK with Terrible Towel stomp
ANNIKA LEADS THE WAY

MASTERS AWAITS FOR McILROY

Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy, "over the moon" at qualifying for next April's Masters, has risen all the way to 39th in the end-of-year world rankings.

The 19-year-old, top amateur at last year's Open Championship, is only 15 months into his professional career, but has already been in two play-offs and just missed out on another at the South African Open.

McIlroy went into the event 50th in the world and needed to stay there to secure his Augusta debut, but joint third place with Ernie Els and Lee Westwood means he has climbed nearly 200 spots on the rankings in 2008.

South African Richard Sterne defeated McIlroy's compatriot Gareth Maybin at the first extra hole for his second successive victory and by shooting up to world number 43 will also be at The Masters.

Maybin, who on the 18th missed an eight-foot chance to take his first European Tour title, is into the top 100 for the first time at 90th.

England's Ross Fisher and Oliver Wilson, 29th and 40th in the world, will also be making their first appearances at Augusta.

Latest leading positions:

1 Tiger Woods 11.96pts, 2 Sergio Garcia 8.10, 3 Phil Mickelson 7.02, 4 Padraig Harrington 6.95, 5 Vijay Singh 6.64, 6 Robert Karlsson 5.08, 7 Camilo Villegas 4.89, 8 Henrik Stenson 4.76, 9 Ernie Els 4.76, 10 Lee Westwood 4.73

11 Anthony Kim 4.44, 12 Geoff Ogilvy 4.44, 13 Jim Furyk 4.30, 14 Kenny Perry 3.88, 15 Steve Stricker 3.87, 16 Stewart Cink 3.85, 17 Adam Scott 3.80, 18 KJ Choi 3.74, 19 Justin Rose 3.58, 20 Trevor Immelman 3.40

Other leading Europeans:

22 Miguel Angel Jimenez, 25 Martin Kaymer, 26 Ian Poulter, 29 Ross Fisher, 31 Luke Donald, 33 Graeme McDowell, 39 Rory McIlroy, 40 Oliver Wilson, 41 Paul Casey, 47 Soren Hansen, 50 Soren Kjeldsen, 55 Peter Hanson, 62 Carl Pettersson, 67 Fredrik Jacobson, 70 Darren Clarke, 73 Alvaro Quiros, 76 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, 78 Nick Dougherty, 79 Francesco Molinari, 86 Peter Hedblom, 89 Anders Hansen, 90 Gareth Maybin, 96 Pablo Larrazabal, 97 Alexander Noren


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McILROY ON THE BRINK
McILROY MAKES TOP 50 DEBUT

GARCIA IS COMING FORCE - JACKLIN

Padraig Harrington's upper hand over Sergio Garcia in the majors could be about to change.

That is the view of former Open and US Open champion Tony Jacklin, who rates the 28-year-old Spaniard "the best ball-striker out there".

Jacklin, who today received the PGA Recognition Award in London, said: "I think Padraig has done incredibly well to win three majors - but I would be more excited about Sergio.

"Obviously we know about him being fragile with the putter. But he's improved that this year, and I would be disappointed if he didn't win four majors.

"Every week he plays he is there. The power in his swing is unbelievable - and it's controlled. I'm a great Sergio man."

Harrington's first major victory in last year's Open at Carnoustie came when he beat Garcia in a play-off, and they clashed again at the US PGA in August - when the 37-year-old Dubliner produced a dazzling finish to become the first European to take that title since 1930.

With Garcia now up to second in the world behind Tiger Woods, a rivalry between the pair is now clearly established - and Harrington added fuel to that by admitting recently that they had nothing in common apart from their jobs.

On that Jacklin, now 64, Florida-based and with a worldwide golf course design business occupying him, commented: "We all need a rivalry - there's nothing wrong with that."

Both Harrington and Garcia have the US Open on their wish-list for 2009. Jacklin remains the last European winner of that, and his amazing seven-stroke victory in 1970 came while he was also the reigning Open champion.

The Scunthorpe-born player went on, of course, to captain Europe

four times in the Ryder Cup - leading them to victory in 1985 and 1987 before they kept the trophy with a tie back at The Belfry two years later.

With worries about what the weather will be like for the clash at Celtic Manor in Wales in October 2010, Jacklin can see the case for

a change of the match from three to four days.

But that does not mean he would be happy to see the format altered so that all the players are involved in the foursomes and fourballs rather than four left out of each session.

"I think the Ryder Cup success has a tremendous amount to do with the format being what it is and not doing what they do at the Presidents Cup," he said.

"I said to Ken (former European Tour executive director Ken Schofield) when I left the job 'whatever else you do, never mess with the format'.

"More often than not it has leant itself to a close finish.

"The Americans tried (to change) after we won two in a row in the 1980s. They wanted to move the goalposts."


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HARRINGTON IS THE OPPOSITE TO GARCIA

WOODS WON'T RUSH RETURN

Tiger Woods is ahead of schedule on his road to recovery from a knee injury.

However, the world number one is refusing to rush his return - one he is looking forward to.

"For me not to play, is pretty frustrating," said Woods who will be unable to defend this week's Chevron World Challenge he has won for the past two years. "I want to be out there and competing and trying to mix it up with the boys, but it is what it is, and unfortunately it's not going to happen this year, but I look forward to next year coming back."

The rehabilitation from his knee surgery, which came after Woods won the US Open in June for his 14th major title, is progressing well.

"I haven't hit full shots with my entire bag yet," Woods said.

"As far as coming back, I don't know how it's going to respond with repeated practice days and long days of practice trying to get back, ultimately playing my way into shape. That's obviously going to take a little bit of time."

But Woods and his doctors did not think he would be hitting clubs until after the first of the new year.

"The leg has responded well," Woods said. "I'm actually stronger in my legs than I think I've been (for a while)."

While Woods is optimistic, he is still cautious about his return.

"You have to understand the healing process of the ligament," Woods said. "The ligament is only going to heal so fast, and you've got to be responsible for your actions, and I can't stretch that out."

The speculation was that Woods would try and make his return at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, the site of his US Open triumph.

But Woods was non-committal about where his return would be, saying it might not even be until the Masters in April.

"Well, as far as intention, yes, that's always been the intent," Woods said about playing a few events before the Masters.

"As far as reality, that's two different things. I don't know. That's the most frustrating thing is the uncertainty. How is the leg going to respond to more hours of practising, more playing, more holes of play, playing at home?

"How is it going to recover from day to day to day? All this is unknown. Everyone heals at different rates. I couldn't tell you and my surgeon can't tell you, trainers can't tell you."

Woods would certainly like to avoid making his first event since his surgery the first men's major of the year.

"No, it's not the easiest place to come back, no," Woods said of Augusta National.

"Would I want that scenario to happen? No, I wouldn't want it to. But if I can play, then I'd like to be able to tee it up."

That seems to be the main criteria for Woods. It's not where he wants to compete, it's when, and right now the left knee will dictate when that happens.

"When my best is not good enough, I'm not going to be out here competing," Woods said. "You know, I certainly understand that more so now than ever before, because you know, if I had to play this week, my game is not ready for public consumption.

"I couldn't display it right now. I wouldn't want to. I wouldn't want you guys to see me out there playing that poorly. I'm just not ready yet."

While Woods is eager to get back on the golf course, the time away has given him time to pursue other interests, like golf course design and spend more time with his family.

"Being able to spend time at home with Sam and watch her grow, it's something I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do," Woods said about his young daughter.

"I would have been playing and travelling quite a bit, so from that standpoint it's been a blessing."


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HARMON: CADDIE COMMENTS 'DEPLORABLE'

Tiger Woods' former coach Butch Harmon has called comments made about Phil Mickelson by the world number one's caddie Steve Williams "deplorable".

New Zealander Williams made disparaging remarks about Mickelson in a newspaper interview at a charity event in his homeland over the weekend, bringing into the public domain once again the bitter rivalry that exists between the current world number three and Woods.

Harmon, who works with Mickelson after spending a decade closely associated with Woods, has hit out at Williams and is confident his comments do not reflect the opinions of his employer.

"I can't believe he said what he said," said Harmon. "I think it's deplorable that he would say something like that.

"Golf is a game of honour and integrity and that was a very uncalled-for remark and I don't think it's a reflection of how Tiger thinks of Phil Mickelson.

"Until I see Steve and have a conversation with him and find out why he said what he said I don't really understand it. Phil Mickelson is one of the most popular players in the world, every bit as popular as Tiger Woods around the world.

"He's a nice guy, all the guys like Phil so I don't know where Steve was coming from with that comment.

"But personally I would assume he wishes he had never made it and I would love to have heard a recording of the conversation between him and Tiger after it came out in print.

"Having worked with Tiger for 10 years, I can tell you he wouldn't have been very happy with that."

Williams' outburst came soon after Ireland's Padraig Harrington talked publicly about his less than perfect relationship with Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia, but Harmon does not feel the game is in danger of losing its genteel reputation.

"We really do have one of the purest forms of sport in the world," he said. "It's the only sport in the world where cheating isn't normal, where players call penalties on themselves.

"It's an environment that we all play in and we all enjoy but it is very competitive.

"There's a tremendous amount of money involved in golf these days and there's a tremendous amount of rivalry between the players.

"The interesting thing about this whole Steve Williams stuff is, if you watch these players in the locker room or on the practice tee, they all get along great. It's like one big fraternity.

"Yes, you have egos involved and people are very self-centred but that's also the way the game teaches you. You're out there on your own and that's the way you play.

"But I think competition is what breeds the rivalries. I think the press and the fans read more into the rivalries than the players do. The players just go out and try and play the best they can play and whatever's going to happen is going to happen.

"They all have their own fans, the way the press perceives them tends to create these type of things. I have no idea why Steve Williams said what he said and quite frankly he probably wishes he never had."

Woods earlier admitted he was not happy about Williams' outburst but had "dealt with" the matter.

"I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect," Woods said in a statement.

"It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

Mickelson has also been scathing of Williams, who has served as Woods' caddie since 1999.

"After seeing Steve Williams' comments all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones (Jim MacKay) on my bag and representing me," Mickelson said in a statement.


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ELS BACKS HOME WINNER

Ernie Els wants the strong contingent of home players assembled at this week's South African Open to overcome the high-class international field and win the title.

The world number nine, a four-time winner of the second oldest national Open, leads a host of big names at Pearl Valley Estates.

Trevor Immelman, Retief Goosen, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke are all competing in the event in Paarl, alongside defending champion James Kingston, Rory Sabbatini and Justin Rose.

Only nine non-South African players have ever won the title and three-time major winner Els is hoping that total will not change come Sunday.

"We South Africans love our sport and we don't want any foreigner to win our national tournament, so to speak," said Els.

"I think our guys will really pick up their games, especially with the world-class players here.

"It definitely sharpens your focus a little bit. The tournament is very healthy seeing all the players coming back to play.

"We've got a world-class field here. For this time of year to be in South Africa, it means we've got something special, so I'm rather pleased with what's been going on."

Els, who will be one of the early starters on Thursday playing alongside compatriot Sabbatini and Swede Stenson, praised the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, adding that he was looking forward to the week.

He added: "The golf course is in unbelievable shape, really in remarkable condition. I'd like to play well here and get myself really teed up for next year.

"This is a tournament that I really wanted to come and play. I regard the South African Open very highly. It really launched my career in a way.

"Back in 1992, winning here gave me a lot of spots into international tournaments and really set me up. So I owe this tournament a lot of gratitude."

World number eight Stenson comes into the tournament after an outstanding 2008 that saw him finish tied third at The Open and fourth in the USPGA Championship.

He also claimed recent wins at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup and the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of his first appearance in the tournament, Stenson said: "I think it (2008) went from very good to great.

"I've had two wins in 2007, two wins in 2006, so it's very nice to get these two tournaments.

"It's a very good course with lots of options off the tee, and a lot of wind. It's going to be a tough week I think if it keeps blowing like this."

World number 10 Westwood, who will be playing alongside reigning Masters champion Immelman and last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Richard Sterne, added: "I'm looking forward to this week.

"It's a very prestigious tournament to win and, with The Race to Dubai, there is quite a lot of money on the European Tour.

"My preparation has been good. I hope to play well this week and finish the rest of the year strong. I've played well all year but not managed to win and this would be a good time to start winning."


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FURYK LEADS CHEVRON WORLD CHALLENGE

Jim Furyk shot a four-under-par 68 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club.

Furyk's effort was the only round in the 60s with closest challengers KJ Choi and Boo Weekley carding two-under-par 70s.

Of the 16 players participating in the season-ending tournament hosted by Tiger Woods that benefits his foundation, seven finished under par. Mike Weir and Stephen Ames recorded the highest scores of the day with 78s.

Furyk, though, was solid as he recorded just one bogey against five birdies.

"I had a lot of time off, I haven't played a lot of golf," he said.

"I spent the last week or two kind of starting to get a club in my hand and get some feel and try to work on my short game a little bit.

"I did not birdie a par-five and there are five of them. I think that shows how solid I played the other 13 holes."


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FRESH ELS UP FOR THE FIGHT

Ernie Els believes "mental freshness" was key to his recovery from an opening-day blip at the South African Open in Paarl on Thursday.

The 39-year-old, who has won the second oldest national open on four occasions and finished runner-up a further three times, carded a five-under-par round of 67 at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates to end the day three shots behind leader Fabrizio Zanotti.

Playing the back nine first, Els managed a bogey-free run that included three birdies as he reached the turn in 33.

But a double bogey at the par-four second saw him slip back to one under, before he picked up four shots in his final six holes to charge back into contention at the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event with a closing 34.

Speaking after his round, the world number nine attributed his late fightback to time off from the game - he played only three tournaments between early October and the end of November - explaining how it helped him on yesterday's second nine holes.

"I'm feeling mentally fresh," he said, "This game is so fickle, you know, when you play a lot of golf and you might not play the way you want to play, you get frustrated quite quickly.

"I think if I hit that shot, you know at number two, and say I had played in two or three events before this tournament, I might not have come back, who knows?

"But I'm mentally fresh and I'm ready for the battle, so to speak. I guess there are pluses and minuses not playing competitive golf for a long time.

"So you've got to get back into the arena, and I did that today and I established myself."

Els' finish enabled him to stay in touch with the leader, who has a host of players waiting to pounce on day two.

Swede Oskar Henningsson fired a seven-under-par round of 65, with eight players a further stoke back on 66, including South Africa's Rory Sabbatini and Britons Ross McGowan and Lee Westwood.

And Els felt he could have gone even better in round one, had he not messed up on hole two.

He added: "I hit one of my worst tee shots of the year on two. I could have been lower. I was trying to get lower but that one tee shot cost me.

"I played good on the front nine.

It was really looking good, and the wind was blowing this morning when we started off and then it died away.

"The 67 is a pretty good score, but conditions right now are perfect. You're going to see a lot of low scores."


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ZANOTTI ONE SHOT CLEAR

Fabrizio Zanotti carded an eight-under-par 64 to lead the South African Open after the first day of competition at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

The 25-year-old Paraguayan, who finished tied for 21st at the world's second oldest Open championship last year, is one shot ahead of Swede Oskar Henningsson.

Zanotti's highest position in only his second season on the European Tour was a tie for 12th place at the Methorios Capital Italian Open in May, but he showed little sign of his inexperience in Paarl with four birdies on the front nine taking him around in 32 strokes.

He began the back nine with a bogey, but showed increasing maturity by fighting back with five birdies in his next eight holes to end a shot clear of the field.

Eight players are two shots off the pace including South African Rory Sabbatini, playing in his first home Open, and Englishman Lee Westwood.

The others on six under par are Keith Horne, Jaco van Zyl, Ake Nilsson, Ross McGowan, Richie Ramsey and Gareth Maybin.

World number 10 Westwood, who played alongside Masters champion Trevor Immelman and last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Richard Sterne in an afternoon tee-off, was faultless through his first 18 holes and admitted afterwards that he could not have asked for a better start.

"I played pretty solidly and all good pretty much," he said. "I drove the ball lovely and missed just one fairway at the second by about four feet.

"I was aggressive with the golf course and hit a lot of drivers and irons. I like the golf course and I've always liked playing Jack (Nicklaus) courses. You can play them conservatively, but you obviously don't have the opportunities to attack the flag.

"So if you have a good, straight driver then you can get an advantage. I did that today and putted quite nicely and made the ones that mattered."

Sabbatini said: "All things considered, it's a great day out there. I'm really feeling good at the moment.

"The course is in great condition and really prepared nicely and set up nicely.

There are some low scores out there if you can control the golf ball."

Four-time champion Ernie Els and two-time winner Tim Clark were among a group of five players to finish on five under par, with Englishman Justin Rose and South African Immelman a further two shots back.

Swede Henrik Stenson, the highest ranked player in the 156-man field, ended his day on two under along with home favourite Retief Goosen and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy's countryman Darren Clarke was one of few big names to suffer in the opening round. Five bogeys and three birdies saw him finish on two over.

Collated first round scores in the European Tour SA Open Championship, Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

64 Fabrizio Zanotti (Par)

65 Oskar Henningsson (Swe)

66 Richie Ramsay, Rory Sabbatini (Rsa), Ake Nilsson (Rsa), Gareth Maybin, Keith Horne (Rsa), Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa), Lee Westwood, Ross McGowan

67 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra), Ernie Els (Rsa), Darren Fichardt (Rsa), Tim Clark (Rsa), Simon Dyson

68 Chris Wood, Hennie Otto (Rsa), Lee Slattery, Alessandro Tadini (Ita), David Frost (Rsa), James Kamte (Rsa), Albert Pistorius (Rsa)

69 Martin Wiegele (Aut), Jeppe Huldahl (Den), Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Branden Grace (Rsa), Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa), George Coetzee (Rsa), Marco Ruiz (Par), Justin Rose, Trevor Immelman (Rsa), Richard Finch, Peter Karmis (Rsa), Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa), Carlos Del moral (Spa)

70 John Mellor, Alvaro Velasco (Spa), Damien McGrane, Garth Mulroy (Rsa), Adilson Da Silva (Bra), Mathias Gronberg (Swe), Magnus A Carlsson (Swe), Rory McIlroy, Adrian Ford (Rsa), Warren Abery (Rsa), Michael Jonzon (Swe), Dion Fourie (Rsa), Michael Hoey, Henrik Stenson (Swe), Anton Haig (Rsa), David Horsey, Estanislao Goya (Arg), Jake Roos (Rsa), Gary Clark, Len Mattiace (USA), Retief Goosen (Rsa), Alan Michell (Rsa)

71 Merrick Bremner (Rsa), Thomas Aiken (Rsa), Birgir Hafthorsson (Ice), Pelle Edberg (Swe), Rossouw Loubser (Rsa), Anthony Snobeck (Fra), Antti Ahokas (Fin), Callum Mccaulay, Alex Haindl (Rsa), Jean Hugo (Rsa), Alan McLean, Andrew Coltart, Scott Drummond, David Lynn, Ryan Tipping (Rsa), Mark Foster

72 Patrik Sjoland (Swe), James Kingston (Rsa), Shaun Norris (Rsa), Bradford Vaughan (Rsa), Johan Edfors (Swe), Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa), Bernd Wiesberger (Aut), Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa), Neil Schietekat (Rsa), Deane Pappas (Rsa), Titch Moore (Rsa), Christian Cevaer (Fra), Steve Basson (Rsa), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Andrew Curlewis (Rsa), Andre Cruse (Rsa), Marc Cayeux (Zim), Gary Lockerbie, Grant Muller (Rsa), Gary Murphy, Justin Walters (Rsa), Christopher Doak, Richard Sterne (Rsa)

73 Brandon Pieters (Rsa), Brett Liddle (Rsa), Robert Dinwiddie, Paul Waring, Per-Ulrik Johansson (Swe), Grant Veenstra (Rsa), Christiaan Basson (Rsa), Ariel Canete (Arg), Dylan Frittelli (Rsa), Lorenzo null Gagli (Ita), Gavan Levenson (Rsa), Edoardo Molinari (Ita)

74 Desvonde Botes (Rsa), Dean O'riley (Rsa), Ulrich Van Den Berg (Rsa), Martin Erlandsson (Swe), Euan Little, Danny Willett, Darren Clarke, Seve Benson, Peter Hanson (Swe), David Drysdale, Tyrone Ferreira (Rsa), Klas Eriksson (Swe), Mark Williams (Rsa), Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa)

75 Joakim Haeggman (Swe), Tc Charamba (Zim), Ryan Cairns (Zim), Bradley Davison (Rsa), Wil Besseling (Ned), Michiel Bothma (Rsa), Sam Walker, Wallie Coetsee (Rsa), Teboho Sefatsa (Rsa), Mark Murless (Rsa), Steve Van Vuuren (Rsa)

76 Nic Henning (Rsa), Ross Wellington (Rsa), Jake Redman (Rsa), Eirik Tage Johansen (Nor), Taco Remkes (Ned), David Dixon, Chris Williams (Rsa), Cameron Johnston (Rsa)

77 Dean Lambert (Rsa), Inder Van Weerelt (Ned), Doug McGuigan, Omar Sandys (Rsa)

78 Alexandre Rocha (Bra), Henk Alberts (Rsa), Josh Cunliffe (Rsa), Derik Ferreira (Rsa)

79 John Bele (Rsa), Mikhail Tewary (Rsa)

80 Thabang Simon (Rsa), Jbe Kruger (Rsa)

81 Heinrich Bruiners (Rsa)

84 Lindani Ndwandwe (Rsa)


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McILROY ON THE BRINK

Teenager Rory McIlroy has clung on to 50th place in the world rankings a week before the top 50 qualify for next April's US Masters.

The Northern Ireland 19-year-old missed the halfway cut in the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa and would have dropped to 51st if Matthew Goggin had won rather than lost a play-off for the Australian Open.

McIlroy plays this week's South African Open to try to secure a spot at Augusta, where fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington will be trying for a third successive major title.

England's Ross Fisher and Oliver Wilson, 29th and 39th in the rankings, are certain to make their debuts.

Latest leading positions:

1 Tiger Woods 12.57pts

2 Sergio Garcia 8.32

3 Phil Mickelson 7.34

4 Padraig Harrington 7.18

5 Vijay Singh 6.91

6 Robert Karlsson 5.21

7 Camilo Villegas 5.03

8 Henrik Stenson 5.01

9 Ernie Els 4.83

10 Lee Westwood 4.73

11 Geoff Ogilvy 4.60

12 Anthony Kim 4.59

13 Jim Furyk 4.49

14 Steve Stricker 4.06

15 Stewart Cink 4.01

16 Kenny Perry 4.00

17 Adam Scott 3.98

18 KJ Choi 3.93

19 Justin Rose 3.84

20 Trevor Immelman 3.49

Other leading Europeans:

21 Miguel Angel Jimenez

25 Ian Poulter

26 Martin Kaymer

29 Ross Fisher

31 Luke Donald

35 Graeme McDowell

39 Oliver Wilson

41 Paul Casey

46 Soren Hansen

48 Soren Kjeldsen

50 Rory McIlroy

54 Peter Hanson

60 Carl Pettersson

66 Fredrik Jacobson

68 Darren Clarke

75 Alvaro Quiros

76 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano

78 Nick Dougherty

79 Francesco Molinari

88 Anders Hansen

89 Peter Hedblom

96 Alexander Noren

98 Pablo Larrazabal.


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HARRINGTON CLAIMS WRITERS' AWARD

Padraig Harrington has become only the third player to win the Golf Writers' Trophy for a second year in succession.

The last was Peter Oosterhuis in 1973-74 and the first Tony Jacklin for his Open and US Open double in 1969 and 1970.

"It just shows how rare it is to peak two years running," said Harrington, who at Royal Birkdale in July made the first successful defence of The Open by a European for 102 years, and then three weeks later became the first since 1930 to win the USPGA title.

"To have one great year and win a major is fantastic, but to follow it up by winning another two majors this year was beyond anything you could have hoped for.

"What is so satisfying is that in years to come people will look at the trophy and remember your achievements, just as you look at Tony Jacklin's name twice and recall his majors or Peter Oosterhuis and his Order of Merit wins.

"There will be a time I can sit back and enjoy it all, but this is not that time.

"I have really appreciated all the accolades that I have received, especially at this time of year, but I am already back in work mode. I am back in the gym and I had my coach over last week."

Second in the poll of members of the Association of Golf Writers was Order of Merit winner Robert Karlsson and third came his fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam, who won four times in her final season before going into retirement.

Harrington has already been named the European Tour's Golfer of the Year as well as collecting the Shot of the Year award for his five-wood to three feet at the 71st hole of The Open.

"In each of my three major wins something happened that I could not have bargained for," he explained.

"At Carnoustie it was my son running onto the green on the 72nd hole and taking my mind off what had just happened (he had double-bogeyed the 18th).

"At Birkdale it was the wrist injury taking the stress out of defending my title, while at the USPGA I got dehydrated, but the rain delay on the Saturday gave me a chance to recover.

"Expectations for next year are going to be higher than ever and that is something I have to manage. In the past I never believed the expectations people had for me and my way of managing that was to underplay them.

"Yet when you become a major champion you put yourself under pressure to play to a higher standard. It was something I struggled with in the first half of the year.

"Next year there is going to be even more attention at The Masters and with the 'Paddy Slam'. But what if someone else has the week of their life?

"As long as I stick to the same processes and keep getting myself into contention I am happy to see how it works out."

Harrington is also the American golf writers' Player of the Year, ending a streak of three in a row for Tiger Woods.

The world number one collected his 14th major at the US Open, but has not played since because of knee surgery. Harrington received 184 votes to 58 for Woods and five for Vijay Singh.

Lorena Ochoa topped the women's award with 232 votes to Paula Creamer's 13 and Jay Haas, also winning for the third year running, took the senior award with 115 votes to 79 for Bernhard Langer.


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NEW VENUE FOR MADEIRA TEST

The 2009 edition of the Madeira Islands Open will find a new home at the breathtaking Seve Ballesteros-designed Porto Santo Golfe.

Constructed on a unique site on the tiny island of Porto Santo, Porto Santo Golfe is a stunning piece of golf course architecture that stretches up and through the island's dramatic basalt cliffs to the wonderful par three 13th hole, where the tee shot must traverse a dramatic gorge to find the cliff-top putting surface.

Porto Santo Island itself is part of the Portuguese archipelago that includes the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa.

The Madeira Islands Open will be staged for the 16th year in 2009, with Porto Santo Golfe becoming the second venue to host the event following the Santo da Serra Golf Club (1993-2007).

Ricardo Abreu, Member of the Madeira Islands Open Organising Committee, said: "This new venue is a Seve masterpiece, which will be the perfect start to The European Tour's return to Europe.

"This idyllic island is considered by many as the Caribbean of the Atlantic. Porto Santo Golfe is a dream course both for its scenic beauty as well as for its challenging layout. "

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: "We are delighted to announce that the Madeira Islands Open will be staged at Porto Santo Golfe in 2009.

"We are confident that our Members will be suitably impressed by the quality of the golf course and facilities at Porto Santo, while the unique lay-out of the course will make the Madeira Islands Open one of the most spectacular settings on The 2009 European Tour International Schedule."


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PAVIN WANTS 'UNDERDOG' MENTALITY

New American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin is looking for a different mentality from his team at Celtic Manor in two years' time than the one which helped the USA defeat Europe at Valhalla earlier this year.

Pavin was on Thursday tasked with leading the United States at the 2010 match in Wales, succeeding Paul Azinger, who won the trophy for the US for the first time since 1999 when his team defeated the Europeans 16-11 at Valhalla, in Louisville, Kentucky, in September.

Pavin, the 1995 US Open champion and three-time Ryder Cup player, believes plotting a victory on foreign soil presents a very different set of challenges to winning at home, and having been on the last American team to have done so, at The Belfry in 1993, he knows what it takes to get the job done.

"It's important to have someone who loves to go into an unfriendly situation, so to speak, with people cheering against you," Pavin said.

"It's a certain type of person that thrives on that.

"I was listening to a tape yesterday and I heard Lanny Wadkins say that it was so much better to play overseas because everyone was cheering for Europe, not necessarily against him, but it was just that type of a personality and I guess I have some of that in me.

"It kind of gets back to that underdog feeling where you have to go out and prove it and show it.

"That's a great type of player to have."

Pavin, 49, returned to Ryder Cup duty in 2006 as an assistant captain to Tom Lehman at the K Club in Ireland and aside from the experience of an 18.5 to 9.5 rout by the Europeans, the Californian got a refresher course of playing in front of partisan crowd.

He added: "The crowds were tremendous in Ireland. I thought they were very boisterous but very well behaved and I expect the same in Wales.

"I think the players that played this year on the team, when you're part of that when your crowd are cheering for you it's quite easy to just relax and play.

"When the cheering is for the other team for the most part it's a different mindset and that's going to be a very important factor in what I talk to the players about.

"That's an issue that's tough to get used to but you can turn that around, flip that into a positive for our team."

Pavin reiterated his belief the USA would not be favourites at Celtic Manor, despite going into the matches as defending champions, but claimed that suited him just fine.

"I still would think that we would be underdogs over there because we'll be playing overseas.

"I guess my whole career I've been looked at as the underdog, the David, so to speak, of David and Goliath. So it's kind of a position I relish, like and grown quite accustomed to.

"It's a position I think I can relate very well to and to the players and encourage them and get them fired up because of that.

"I love the one-on-one and head-to-head-type competition and if I can convey that to anyone on the team that needs it conveying to them I will."


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SEVE HAILS MEDICAL STAFF

Seve Ballesteros has admitted he was "a rebel patient" at times after being discharged from hospital in Madrid following four operations on a brain tumour.

The five-time major winner had been in La Paz hospital since collapsing in October and underwent the last of his operations last week.

The 51-year-old was allowed to leave hospital on Tuesday afternoon and paid tribute to the medical staff who looked after him.

"During these two long months in hospital I wish to thank the doctors as well as the people in charge of the Intensive Care Unit and the second floor at La Paz," said Ballesteros in a statement on his official website.

"Doctors, nurses and porters will always mean so much to me. Even more than simply carers of a sick person. They are like members of my own family.

"Occasionally I was a rebel patient and therefore I ask them to forgive me and thank everyone for all the care received.

"After the four surgeries I have undergone I would like to emphasise the efficiency and humanity of the neurosurgeons.

"They are excellent professionals and unique as human beings. Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life which I expect to enjoy at my best."

Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport in October.

He underwent a lengthy operation on October 24 to reduce pressure on his brain and remove remaining tumour tissues following two previous operations.

On November 18 he had recovered sufficiently to leave intensive care, but was readmitted a fortnight later for further surgery to place a cephalorachidian fluid VP shunt.

And Ballesteros vowed to "keep on fighting with patience and determination" in his recovery.

"After a 66-day stay at La Paz Hospital, finally (the) doctors have allowed me some temporary holidays away from the hospital," he said.

"There is a long recovery time ahead and I shall keep on fighting with patience and determination against the brain tumour that was detected at the beginning of October."

Ballesteros left the hospital with a message of support for the remaining patients.

"Just as my message of October 12 I would like to send another one to the sick people whom I have left behind at this hospital and others who suffer the same illness as myself, and those even worse," he added.

"When you fight with faith and persistency you can overcome whichever drawback you come across.

"Our mind is stronger than we can imagine. Just as I always did in my professional life, visualising success helps achieve one's targets, however impossible they seem.

"Provided we believe in ourselves we can achieve goals never before envisaged. I am a believer and will continue thinking positively to defeat the illness I suffer and encourage those who are going through something similar to do it with the same determination as myself."


Vikings likely won’t have LB Henderson vs. Saints
Carolina owner Richardson readmitted to hospital
FOURTH BRAIN OP FOR BALLESTEROS

RAIN HALTS AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Friday's second round of the Australian Open at Royal Sydney was suspended for the day after heavy rain made the the Rose Bay layout unplayable.

This with West Australia's Stephen Dartnall holding a two-shot lead over joint Mathew Goggin, one of the two who shared the overnight lead with him.

Goggin, the runner-up to Rd Pampling at the Australian Masters last week, struggled to a two-under-par 70 on Friday.

So too did Ewan Porter, the third member of the trio who shared the lead after round one.

Porter sits one behind Goggin in third spot after signing for a 71 which included bogeys on two of his final three lain-rashed holes.

Playing in the first group of the day, Dartnall made the most of the wet but calm conditions on his way to the four-under 68 that has given him sole possession of the lead at 11 under.

Pampling also battled in with a second round 71 but at six-under he is still in contention alongside Matt Jones, of New South Wales, Jones having climbed yhe leaderboard with an invaluable in five-under par 67.

Playing in the second group of the afternoon field, Robert Allenby made light work of the trying conditions to move to five under overall and four under on the day after playing the first nine holes.

Two-time champion Peter Lonard sits alongside Allenby after carding a two-under 70 while Cameron Percy, who equalled Jones' low round of the day with a matching a 67, is also one of five players at five under.

Pre-tournament favourite Geoff Ogilvy had made an early move, turning in 34 to sit at two-under overall along and American veteran Paul Goydos when play was stopped.

And it now seems that South African Tim Clark will be back for the weekend action after carding a one-over 73 that put him into a tie for 36th at one under for the tournament with boom amateur Danny Lee.

Lee dropped three shots in his final seven holes to tumble down the leaderboard.

Jarrod Lyle (71) and Marc Leishman (72) are among several players facing a nervous wait at one-over in a share of 54th but former champion Stuart Appleby, did his best to save his round with two birdies in his last three holes, is currently on the outside looking in at plus two for the tournament in a share of 71st.

Defending champion Craig Parry (73), veteran Peter Senior (74) and Nathan Green (73) are a further stroke back but the controversial American drawcard John Daly is one under through nine at plus five for the tournament and looks likely to cruise into the weekend

LATEST COMPLETED SCORES
(Aus unless stated, par 72):
Note: Second round play has been suspended due to heavy rain, round-two is now scheduled to resume on Friday at 6.45am with round-three to commence at 11.45am

133 Stephen Dartnell 65 68

135 Mathew Goggin 65 70

136 Ewan Porter 65 71

138 Rodney Pampling 67 71, Matthew Jones 71 67

139 Rick Kulacz 70 69, Cameron Percy 72 67, Stuart Bouvier 70 69, Peter Lonard 69 70

140 Adam Bland 71 69, Andre Stolz 69 71, Anthony Brown 70 70, Terry Pilkadaris 70 70

141 Leigh McKechnie 72 69, Craig Scott 69 72, Andrew Bonhomme 69 72, Kurt Barnes 71 70

142 Gareth Paddison (Nzl) 70 72, Stephen Allan 72 70

143 Danny Lee (Nzl) 68 75, Matthew Millar 74 69, Jarrod Moseley 71 72, Ben Burge 72 71, Anthony Summers 69 74, Tim Clark (Rsa) 70 73, Ashley Hall 72 71

144 Chris Campbell 75 69, Darron Stiles (USA) 73 71, Tim Wood 70 74, Andrew McKenzie (Eng) 73 71

145 David Lutterus (Rsa) 76 69, Phil Tataurangi (Nzl) 75 70, Marcus Cain 71 74, Kane Webber (USA) 70 75, Tony Carolan 72 73, Jarrod Lyle 74 71, Daniel Hyndman 74 71, Marc Leishman 73 72, Dae-hyun Kim (Kor) 75 70, Jens Nilsson (Swe) 71 74, Terry Price 77 68

146 Manny Villegas (Col) 77 69, Andrew Tampion 76 70, Andrew Martin 74 72, Michael McGrath 74 72, Andrew Dodt 75 71, Stephen Leaney 76 70, Peter Senior 72 74, Nathan Green 73 73, Craig Parry 73 73, Stuart Appleby 73 73

147 Paul Gow 76 71, Ki joon Song 75 72, Aron Price 74 73, Greg Chalmers 72 75, Adam Crawford 71 76, Matt Jager 74 73, Craig Spence 72 75, Tim Stewart 74 73

148 Aaron Townsend 74 74, Steve Alker (Nzl) 75 73, Mitchell Brown 74 74, James Nitties 74 74

149 Scott Barr 79 70

150 Alex Simpson 75 75, Tom Prowse 74 76, Grant Moorhead (Nzl) 77 73, Jared Consoli 73 77

151 Daniel Nisbet 73 78

152 Grant Scott 77 75, Kieran Pratt 74 78

153 Clint Rice 74 79

154 Andrew Tschudin 76 78

155 Ashley Umbers 78 77, Simon Nash 78 77

157 Raffael Toperoso 79 78

158 Steven Jeffress 79 79

159 Brett Rankin 76 83


OBERHOLSER OPENS NARROW ADVANTAGE
Jags’ Jones to serve 3-game ban as appeal fails
DUO SHARE EARLY LEAD

TRIO SET THE EARLY PACE

Three players hold a two-shot lead at the end of an eventful opening day at Royal Sydney after carding course-record equalling seven-under 65s in benign conditions.

Mathew Goggin, Stephen Dartnall and Ewan Porter set the pace on day one of the 2008 Australian Open by equalling John Senden's previous best round set in 2006.

Fresh from his runner-up finish at last week's Australian PGA Championship, Goggin hit the ground running with six birdies on the front nine to set up his round, while Dartnall - who fired a 62 in Monday's qualifying to earn his start - managed six birdies and an eagle.

Porter birdied his final two holes to be the last man in at minus seven on a low scoring day.

New Zealand duo Mark Brown and David Smail, who led for much of the day after firing early five-under 67s, are joined by Australian Masters winner Rod Pampling two shots off the pace.

Queensland's Troy Kennedy sits at minus four after signing for a 68 alongside Kiwi amateur Danny Lee.

Senden, who scored a hole in one on the par-three 13th to storm into the lead after teeing off at the 10th in just the second group of the day, is one of six players at minus three.

Pre-tournament favourite Geoff Ogilvy rescued his day with four late birdies on the way to an even-par start, while Northern Irishman Darren Clarke also showed tremendous powers of recovery on his way to an opening 72 after racking up a disastrous triple bogey on his second hole of the day - the par-four 11th.

Defending champion Craig Parry struggled to a one-over 73 to sit in a share of 70th with Stuart Appleby, Marcus Fraser and Peter O'Malley - just to name a few.

John Daly's roller-coaster ride in Australia continued with a disappointing six-over 78 that included three double bogeys, three bogeys and three birdies.

The two-time major winner was also involved in an incident with an over zealous fan, smashing his camera against a tree in a fit of rage. Golf Australia later announced no action would be taken against the American.

Collated first round scores in the Australian PGA Tour Australian Open 2008, Royal Sydney Golf Club, Sydney, Australia

(Aus unless stated, par 72):

65 Mathew Goggin, Ewan Porter, Stephen Dartnell

67 Rodney Pampling, David Smail (Nzl), Mark Brown (USA)

68 Danny Lee (Nzl), Troy Kennedy

69 Craig Scott, Andrew Bonhomme, John Senden, Andre Stolz, Anthony Summers, Heath Reed, Peter Lonard

70 Chris Gaunt, Tim Wood, Brent McCullough, Brendan Jones, Wayne Perske, Terry Pilkadaris, Kane Webber (USA), Stuart Bouvier, Rohan Blizard, Gareth Paddison (Nzl), Rick Kulacz, Anthony Brown, Steven Conran, Peter Fowler, Tim Clark (Rsa)

71 Rudi Bezuidenhout, Scott Strange, Marcus Cain, Simon Griffiths (Eng), Adam Crawford, Matthew Jones, Jarrod Moseley, Adam Bland, Scott Hend, Paul Goydos (USA), Robert Allenby, Richard Green, Jens Nilsson (Swe), Kurt Barnes, David Bransdon

72 Leigh McKechnie, James H McLean (USA), Chris Downes, Ben Burge, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Jones (USA), Steven Bowditch, Stephen Allan, Brad Lamb, Michael Long (Nzl), Craig Spence, Bradley Hughes, Wade Ormsby, Ashley Hall, Jamie Arnold, Michael Sim, Greg Chalmers, Ryan Haller, Cameron Percy, Darren Clarke (NIrl), Peter Senior, Jason Norris, Tony Carolan, Alistair Presnell

73 Mahal Pearce (Nzl), Darren Beck, Jared Consoli, Darron Stiles (USA), Andrew McKenzie (Eng), Josh Geary (Nzl), Nathan Green, Daniel Nisbet, Marc Leishman, Craig Parry, Brad Kennedy, Marcus Fraser, Peter O'Malley, Adam Blyth, Stuart Appleby

74 Aron Price, Matthew Millar, Andrew Martin, James Nitties, Eddie Barr, Won Joon Lee, Tristan Lambert, Tom Prowse, Daniel Hyndman, Scott Draper (Rsa), Tim Stewart, Michael Foster, Richard Lee (Nzl), Scott Laycock, Aaron Townsend, Mitchell Brown, Kieran Pratt, Scott Arnold (Hkg), Michael McGrath, Matt Jager, David McKenzie, Jarrod Lyle, Clint Rice, Matthew Ecob

75 Chris Campbell, Ki joon Song, Steve Alker (Nzl), Phil Tataurangi (Nzl), Alex Simpson, Michael Brennan, Andrew Dodt, Anders Kristiansen (Nor), Daniel Beckmann, Nick Flanagan, Brett Rumford, Ben Wharton, Dae-hyun Kim (Kor), Ryan Hammond, Paul Sheehan

76 David Lutterus (Rsa), Andrew Tampion, Paul Gow, Richie Gallichan, John Onions, Jason Perry, Julian Reynolds, Andrew Tschudin, Stephen Leaney, Brett Rankin, Matthew Griffen, Leigh Deagan

77 Manny Villegas (Col), Bret Guetz (USA), Maxwell Mccardle (Rsa), Grant Scott, Bradley Lles (Nzl), Grant Moorhead (Nzl), Shaun Harmer, Michael Curtain, Bronson LaCassie, Terry Price

78 Ashley Umbers, John Daly (USA), Dale Marmion (Eng), Steven Hassett, Simon Nash, Kim Felton, David Diaz

79 Raffael Toperoso, Scott Barr, Steven Jeffress

80 Michael Wright


Jets LB Pace questionable, but expects to play
Rams OT Pace, CB Bartell, OG Incognito injured
DUO TOP LEADERBOARD
STENSON SETS THE PACE

HEAD LEADS THE WAY

England's Johanna Head took the early lead at the Dubai Ladies Masters after carding a six-under-par 66 on the opening day at the Emirates Golf Club.

Head had six birdies in the round to finish two shots clear of Germany's Anja Monke.

Sweden's Maria Boden, Germany's Katharina Schallenberg and Italian Veronica Zorzi are all one shot further back.

Sweden's Annika Sorenstram, competing in her final tournament, is on two-under-par for a share of sixth place.

Head has recently been working on her short game with Ian Poulter, for whom her husband Terry Mundy caddies.

"He gave me a bit of a short game lesson and I've been working on that for the last couple of weeks. It's been really helpful," she said.

"I'll give Ian credit for helping me with my short game; definitely. He and my husband have been on at me to not chip short all the time and they are getting me to practise all the time so when on the fourth hole I chipped in I was thrilled."

Head had four birdies in the opening 10 holes and then finished with two more on the 16th and 18th.

Sorenstam enjoyed a strong start but then had a bogey on the 14th and two more to finish.

"I got off to a tremendous start. Played well for about 14 holes, and collapsed on the other four, which is a bummer when you feel so good about something and then you come in with such a terrible finish," she said.

"Luckily it's just Thursday and there's a long ways to go. The positive thing is I'm hitting some good shots and making some putts. Have to clean it up a little bit."

Collated first round scores in the Ladies European Tour, Dubai Ladies Masters, Emirates Golf Course, Majlis Course, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

66 Johanna Head

68 Anja Monke (Ger)

69 Veronica Zorzi (Ita), Katharina Schallenberg (Ger), Maria Boden (Swe)

70 Felicity Johnson, Annika Sorenstam (Swe), Nina Reis (Swe), Emma Cabrera Bello (Spa), Virginine Lagoutte-Clement (Fra), Iben Tinning (Den), Ashleigh Simon (Rsa), Sophie Giquel (Fra), Laura Davies, Trish Johnson (USA), Carmen Alonso (Spa)

71 Karen Lunn (Aus), Frances Bondad (Aus), Jade Schaeffer (Fra), Julie Greciet (Fra), Tania Elosegui (Spa), Melissa Reid, Amy Yang (USA), Nikki Garrett (Aus), Martina Eberl (Ger), Anna Rawson (Aus), Lynn Brooky (Nzl), Martina Gillen, Emma Zackrisson (Swe), Stefania Croce (Ita)

72 Hazel Kavanagh, Joanne Morley, Paula Marti (Spa), Charlotta Sorenstam (Swe), Dana Lacey (Aus), Maria Verchenova (Rus), Louise Stahle (Swe), Kirsty S Taylor, Julie Tvede (Den), Leah Hart (Aus), Lydia Hall, Carin Koch (Swe), Samantha Head, Sophie Gustafson (Swe), Titiya Plucksataporn (Tha), Margherita Rigon (Ita)

73 Lora Fairclough, Ellen Smets (Bel), Catriona Matthew, Becky Brewerton (Gbr), Lisa Sorensen (Den), Louise Friberg (Swe), Georgina Simpson, Joanne Mills (Aus), Sofia Renell (Swe), Ludivine Kreutz (Fra), Jehanne Jail (Fra), Bronwyn Mullins-Lane (Aus), Cassandra Kirkland (Fra), Clare Queen

74 Linda Wessberg (Swe), Laurette Maritz (Rsa), Laura Cabanillas Gomez (Spa), Stefanie Michl (Aut), Lisa Hall, Lara Tadiotto (Bel), Ursula Wikstrom (Fin), Anna-Lise Caudal (Fra)

75 Marianne Skarpnord (Nor), Ana Larraneta (Spa), Rebecca Coakley, Lee-Anne Pace (Rsa), Gwladys Nocera (Fra), Sophie Walker, Caroline Afonso (Fra), Kiran Matharu, Henrietta Zuel, Cecillia Ekelundh (Swe), Melodie Bourdy (Fra), Anna Knutsson (Swe), Marina Arruti (Spa)

76 Anna Rossi (Ita), Rachel Bell, Natalie Booth, Lynn Kenny, Nathalie David (Fra), Joanne Clingan, Cecilie Lundgreen (Nor)

77 Jenna Wilson, Natascha Fink (Aut), Amanda Moltke-Leth (Den), Kylie Walker, Marjet Van Der Graaff (Ned)

78 Bettina Hauert (Ger), Marta Prieto (Spa), Nora Angehrn (Swi), Nicole Gergely (Aut)

79 Florence Luscher (Swi), Itziar Elguezabal (Spa)

80 Vittoria Valvassori (Ita), Anne Hansen (Den), Danielle Masters, Anna Tybring (Swe)

81 Federica Piovano (Ita), Eva Steinberger (Aut)

82 Elisabeth Esterl (Ger)

86 Sandra Meyer (Rsa), Zuzana Kamasova (Svk)


Falcons’ White questionable after hitting head
ANNIKA LEADS THE WAY
GARCIA EXPLAINS RECRUITMENT DRIVE

STERNE MAKES MOST OF RIVALS' STUMBLES

Richard Sterne was the main benefactor on the final day of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, clinching the tournament by one shot after both Thomas Aiken and Len Mattiace threw away their overnight advantages at the Leopard Creek Golf Club.

The 27-year-old South African carded a final-round three-under-par 69 for an overall total of 271, making the most of constant lapses from overnight leader Aiken and American Mattiace, who ended day four with scores of 75 and 77 respectively.

Englishman Robert Rock finished tied-second with Johan Edfors - the Swede carding a 66 for the best final round score alongside Alan McLean and 2007 South Open winner James Kingston.

Aiken, who powered his way to a course-record 61 on Saturday and held a one-stroke lead heading into the final day, finished in fourth place with Rafael Cabrera Bello on 15 under par, while Scotland's McLean and another home favourite Keith Horne ended a further stroke back.

But the day belonged to Sterne, whose last win on the European Tour came at the Joburg Open at the start of 2008.

The world number 113, who clinched his fifth European title in the process, would have been surprised by the manner at which the leading overnight pair fell away.

Aiken started out well enough with two birdies in his opening four holes and was four shots ahead at one point.

But bogeys on the par-four ninth, 10th and 18th holes, added to a double bogey on the 11th saw him end his round on three over par, while Mattiace finished on five over par with two bogeys and a pair of triple bogeys.

Speaking afterward, Sterne admitted he was a little surprised by the manner at which the leaders had fallen.

"I actually only saw the leaderboard on 16 and thought the leaders will probably be on 17 or 18 under," he said.

"So I got a bit of a surprise when I was leading by one. I made a good two putt there and I knew that 17 under was probably going to be good enough. But I'm quite happy.

"The back nine I gave away two very weak bogeys on 10 and 12, but I came back strong and that's what counts on those last six holes on a Sunday."

The Pretoria-born golfer, who becomes the first home winner of the tournament since Ernie Els in 2005, admitted that he was very nervous coming into the final hole where he shot a triple bogey and double bogey in the last two rounds.

"I was thinking 'just make a par, that's all I've got to do'," he continued. "Obviously I wasn't feeling very comfortable on that hole and I played it exactly how I wanted to play it. I would like to have hit the putt a little closer, but fortunately I knocked it in.

"I don't think many people have won with a triple and double on that hole."

The win also helped him secure the local Sunshine Tour Order of Merit title.

He added: "I don't think anyone can catch me now with just one tournament left. I was quite worried about that, but I knew if I came in at least second, I would have had a good chance."

After finishing 17th and 14th in the tournament over the last two years, Englishman Rock said he was pleased with most parts of his game, but had to work on a few aspects heading into the SA Open at Pearl Valley next week.

"It was a good finish really," he said.

"I hit my iron shots really close. The start of the round didn't really go to plan, I didn't make any putts, I had 31 today.

"The heat was not as bad as yesterday, I was really happy with the week. Obviously I've got to do some practising on the putting, but it's been a good performance, so I'll now be looking forward to Cape Town next week," added the 31-year-old, who had four top-10 finishes last season.

Collated final round scores & totals

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

271 Richard Sterne (Rsa) 68 66 68 69

272 Robert Rock 66 67 69 70, Johan Edfors (Swe) 66 69 71 66

273 Thomas Aiken (Rsa) 72 65 61 75, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 66 71 68 68

274 Alan McLean 68 74 66 66, Keith Horne (Rsa) 70 69 65 70

275 Tyrone Mordt (Rsa) 68 67 68 72, Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 68 69 67 71, Robert Dinwiddie 69 70 68 68, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 65 72 70 68, Oskar Henningsson (Swe) 69 64 69 73, David Lynn 68 68 66 73

276 Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 68 67 71 70, Len Mattiace (USA) 65 68 66 77

277 John E Morgan 67 68 68 74, Chris Wood 69 70 70 68, David Dixon 70 70 67 70, Lee Westwood 66 70 70 71, Marc Cayeux (Zim) 68 67 72 70

278 Garry Houston 72 69 67 70, Garth Mulroy (Rsa) 68 69 68 73, David Horsey 72 70 68 68, Jean Hugo (Rsa) 73 69 68 68, Pelle Edberg (Swe) 68 70 73 67, Tc Charamba (Zim) 70 68 70 70

279 Gareth Maybin 72 69 66 72, Andrew Coltart 70 70 69 70

280 Gary Lockerbie 68 71 67 74, Damien McGrane 71 66 70 73, David Drysdale 71 71 66 72, Sam Walker 71 68 69 72, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 69 69 73 69, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (Spa) 67 70 71 72, Mark Murless (Rsa) 70 70 68 72, Simon Dyson 71 71 70 68

281 Michiel Bothma (Rsa) 69 71 68 73, Callum Macaulay 72 69 71 69, James Kingston (Rsa) 73 69 73 66, Danny Willett 72 70 66 73, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 71 69 70 71

282 Fabrizio Zanotti (Par) 70 67 69 76, Darren Fichardt (Rsa) 71 69 69 73, Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa) 72 70 66 74

283 Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa) 70 67 70 76, George Coetzee (Rsa) 70 70 68 75, Albert Pistorius (Rsa) 71 71 74 67, Deane Pappas (Rsa) 75 66 70 72

284 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 69 69 73 73, Taco Remkes (Ned) 72 70 72 70, Bradford Vaughan (Rsa) 71 71 72 70, Ross McGowan 70 72 69 73

285 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 69 68 71 77, Jacques Blaauw (Rsa) 73 67 69 76, Alexandre Rocha (Bra) 71 71 69 74, Branden Grace (Rsa) 70 69 74 72

286 Jonathan Caldwell 70 67 72 77, Neil Cheetham 68 69 73 76, Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 70 68 73 75, Estanislao Goya (Arg) 70 68 75 73, Justin Walters (Rsa) 72 70 76 68

287 Marcus Higley 71 70 73 73, Warren Abery (Rsa) 68 68 77 74, Jake Roos (Rsa) 72 69 76 70

288 Carlos Del Moral (Spa) 71 71 76 70, Iain Pyman 71 69 73 75, Bernd Wiesberger (Aut) 68 74 71 75, Seve Benson 68 74 76 70

290 Jamie Little 72 69 75 74

292 Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa) 70 68 78 76


ROCK FIRES LATE BIRDIE BLITZ
Jags’ Jones to serve 3-game ban as appeal fails
Bears veteran Miller placed on injured reserve
OBERHOLSER OPENS NARROW ADVANTAGE