GARCIA EXPLAINS RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Sergio Garcia on Wednesday revealed how he persuaded rising stars Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas to join the European Tour.

Several of the world's top players, including Phil Mickelson, have been considering taking up membership in order to be eligible for the US Dollars 20million Dubai World Championship in November 2009 at the end of the inaugural Race to Dubai.

Mickelson has yet to confirm his intentions but Ryder Cup star Kim and Colombian Villegas have now paid their membership fees.

"It's great," said Garcia, who is competing at the Volvo Masters this week looking to add to his victory in the Castellon Masters on Sunday.

"I think any time you can get players of the calibre of Camilo and Anthony into the Tour, it's great.

"It's an asset and it's good for golf. It's good for the European Tour and it's nice to see those guys move around a little bit and not only play in the US.

"We'll welcome them with open arms and we hope they can enjoy it as much as we do.

"They asked me a couple of things and I told them how the Tour is. Everything seems to be a little bit more relaxed in Europe.

"Don't get me wrong, when we go out there we are all trying our hardest and we are all trying to win. But outside of that everything seems to be a bit more relaxed.

"I think it's a little bit looser here. You get along and have dinners and all of those kind of things.

"I think that's probably one of the things that they enjoyed and obviously The Race to Dubai is a big asset too."

Players lower down the European Tour pecking order may not share Garcia's enthusiasm over the new arrivals, but the Spaniard is concentrating on the bigger picture.

"There's no doubt that the more good players you get here, some guys are going to feel it," the 28-year-old added.

"But it happens everywhere, so you can't have both. If you want the Tour to get better and to grow and get to the level that it deserves, there's no doubt that you need those big players.

"Obviously if you're taking four or five spots there's going to be four or five guys that are going to struggle, but it's the way of life. You can't please everybody unfortunately."


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CALM KARLSSON CLOSING IN ON PRIZE

Robert Karlsson is on the verge of becoming the first Swedish player to win the Order of Merit, thanks to transforming himself from Mr Angry to Mr Consistency.

Despite Padraig Harrington claiming back-to-back major titles at the Open and USPGA Championship this year, Karlsson leads his Ryder Cup partner by Ј230,312 at the top of the money list.

The 39-year-old has accumulated 12 top-10 finishes and also claimed back-to-back victories in the Mercedes-Benz Championship and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship either side of his second cup appearance at Valhalla.

His performances in the major championships were also second only to Harrington, with eighth in the Masters, fourth in the US Open, seventh in the Open and 20th in the USPGA Championship helping him amass more than Ј2million in prize money.

Second place at this week's season-ending Volvo Masters would secure the Order of Merit title, even if Harrington were to win, and Karlsson puts his amazing consistency down to learning to control a volcanic temper.

"I worked on my attitude on and off the golf course," admitted Karlsson. "I'm not wasting a lot of energy on bad shots and bad rounds.

"My toughest situation this year was obviously that 74 in the final round of the

BMW Championship (when he blew a four-shot lead), and I came back the week after and finished second in Wales.

"That was such big proof for me that I can handle pretty much any situation now, and that is the week that I am most proud of in my career actually, to play as well as I did the week after I've had a really bad last round and made a mess of it."

Asked to expand on the "wasted energy" after bad rounds, the 6ft 5in Swede added: "I would have been hacked off, I would have wasted two days of being really, really angry.

"I would not have been able to leave that week behind, and now it's like, 'Okay, it's a new week now, what happened, what happened, I'm going to learn from this.'

"I had that focus the whole year and no matter what happens I have to become a stronger person and a stronger player. Then I can never lose.

"When I was very, very inconsistent it was because when I had a good day, I was really, really upbeat, and when I had a bad day, I beat myself up pretty badly.

"It's tough to play well when there's so many ups and downs. Before, I would have reacted immediately and slapped the club in the bag or shown that I was disappointed with the shot.

"Now I try to find that little space of time when the ball lands in the water until I slam the club, and if you can stop yourself right there you can get better and better at it and all of a sudden it's no big thing."

In total four members of Europe's Ryder Cup team can still win the Order of Merit at Valderrama, with Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez also in the frame.

Westwood trails Karlsson by Ј361,318 and even claiming the second prize of Ј374,990 would need Karlsson to almost finish last.

Jimenez is Ј523,968 behind Karlsson and has to win the Ј562,485 first prize and also hope Karlsson finishes outside the top 20.

"I'm trying to make this as much as possible a separate week," Karlsson added. "It's a big event so my focus is going to be to do my best this week and see on Sunday if it's going to be enough.

"If I start playing matchplay against Padraig and Westwood, I think we are going to put ourselves in a lot of trouble.

"The Order of Merit is a bit funny because it depends so much on how many tournaments you're playing. Padraig has played maybe 12 but I've played 23 or something like that, so it's a bit unfair.

"It's like Manchester United against Arsenal and one has to play 12 matches and the other 22, it's not really a fair judgment of the season I think.

"But if I win it, I'm not going to complain, put it that way."


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GARCIA CONTINUES RANKINGS CLIMB

Sergio Garcia moved up to a career-high third in the world after his first European Tour win since 2005 in the Castellon Masters.

The 28-year-old, hosting the inaugural event at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is still the host professional, closed with a four-under 67 to finish three shots ahead of Sweden's Peter Hedblom.

Garcia, who dedicated his win to compatriot Seve Ballesteros who remains in hospital after a third brain operation, said: "It feels absolutely awesome.

"It just feels very special and means so much.

"Just getting the tournament here was special for me and my family but to play the way I did and win it is awesome.

"I had so many positive comments throughout the week from everybody and I hope this can be a great tournament for many years to come."

It was a fairytale win for the 28-year-old, who took a four-shot lead into the final round following scores of 66, 65 and 66 and never relinquished top spot on the leaderboard.

Afterwards, he paid tribute to 51-year-old Ballesteros, who remains in intensive care in a Madrid hospital.

"I couldn't help but think of Seve," said Garcia.

"I'm sending all my love to him and his family and hope he recovers soon.

"I hope this victory helps him to get a little better."

Garcia held off the strong challenge of Hedblom, the only player who threatened to spoil the occasion when he opened his final round with four successive birdies.

But he never got ahead of Garcia, who used his knowledge of every nook and cranny of the course to complete victory.

English duo David Lynn and Simon Dyson were tied for second overnight alongside Hedblom and Soren Kjeldsen, but failed to close the gap and ended up joint fourth after rounds of 69.

"I didn't play amazing and when Peter had such a great start I thought these guys were not making it easy for me," added Garcia.

"On the back nine I felt I had it under control and had a lot of chances and putts but didn't make that many."


GARCIA DEDICATES WIN TO SEVE
GARCIA HOPES TO DOUBLE UP
Bucs’ Brooks, Garcia questionable against Falcons

HARRINGTON: KARLSSON DESERVES CROWN

Padraig Harrington insists the Order of Merit would not be devalued if he failed to win it despite claiming back-to-back major titles this season.

Harrington became the first European since James Braid in 1906 to successfully defend the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July, and then won the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills just three weeks later.

That would usually be enough to see the Dubliner top of the money list ahead of the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama, which gets under way on Thursday, but the 37-year-old finds himself Ј230,312 behind Ryder Cup partner Robert Karlsson.

To claim a second Harry Vardon Trophy in three years, Harrington needs to finish first or second at Valderrama - a course he is not a particular fan of - and even victory would not be enough if Karlsson were to finish second.

But asked if it would take anything away from the Order of Merit if winning two majors in 2008 was not good enough, Harrington said: "Not at all. At the end of the day, I haven't played enough events to put myself out there.

"And in the events I played, I certainly didn't show the form that I probably showed in the States this year. My best events definitely weren't in Europe this year at all.

"I had a lot of top-five finishes in the States, but didn't seem to have much form in Europe, and that's why I'm not winning the European Order of Merit at the moment. Obviously, I need a big week this week.

"Robert has performed more consistently in Europe throughout the year, so consistency-wise, and that's what an Order of Merit is, he probably deserves it.

"But that doesn't mean he gets it. We have to wait until Sunday to sort that out."

Karlsson, 39, looking to become the first Swedish golfer to top the Order of Merit, has accumulated 12 top-10 finishes this season and also claimed back-to-back victories in the Mercedes-Benz Championship and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship either side of his second Ryder Cup appearance in Kentucky.

His performances in the major championships were also second only to Harrington, with eighth in the Masters, fourth in the US Open, seventh in The Open Championship and 20th in the USPGA Championship helping him amass more than Ј2million in prize money.

Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez are also still in with a chance of finishing the year as European number one, although Westwood trails by Ј361,318 and even the second prize of Ј374,990 would need Karlsson to almost finish last.

Jimenez is Ј523,968 behind Karlsson and has to win the Ј562,485 first prize and also hope Karlsson finishes outside the top 20.

Other issues at stake include finalising the top 15 players on the Order of Merit who will secure a place in next year's US Open at Bethpage in New York, while the top 30 also qualify for The Open at Turnberry.


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ROYAL TROPHY TO GO AHEAD

The third edition of golf's Royal Trophy will go ahead as planned in January, despite the poor health of Europe captain Seve Ballesteros.

Ballesteros is currently in hospital in Madrid after three operations on a brain tumour detected after the Spanish legend collapsed at the city's airport.

The 51-year-old led his side to victory in the first two years of the team contest between Europe and Asia, but this year's event in Bangkok was cancelled after a member of Thailand's royal family died shortly before it was due to take place, prompting a period of national mourning.

A spokesman for the tournament organisers said: "We are in close contact with Seve's advisors and have been told he very much wants the Seve Trophy to proceed.

"He did so much to establish the competition and we would like nothing better than to see Seve well enough to select the European team and attend the event himself."

Asia captain Joe Ozaki added: "All of us in Japan, Asia and all around the world have enjoyed the privilege of seeing a true sportsman in Seve. He has inspired so many and touched the hearts of people all over the globe.

"We hold the deepest and strongest hope for his speedily recovery and wish the greatest strength to his family during this difficult time."

The Royal Trophy is scheduled to take place from January 9-11, 2009 at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, with Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng today confirmed as the first member of the Asia team.


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SEVE STILL 'STABLE'

Seve Ballesteros remains in a "stable condition" following his latest operation, doctors at Madrid's La Paz hospital announced on Saturday.

The surgery, which lasted over six hours, was declared a success with doctors stressing there had been no complications in the procedure to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by an edema and to remove remaining tumour tissues.

And the hospital confirmed on Saturday his condition has not changed.

"We only want to say that Severiano Ballesteros continues to be in a stable condition within the seriousness of his condition and remains in the Intensive Care Unit," read a brief statement.

Spaniard Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and before Friday's surgery he had already undergone two operations - the second to reduce swelling on the brain.


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SEVE OPERATION A SUCCESS

WOODS HAS MASTERS GOAL

Tiger Woods has vowed to return from injury in time for the Masters at Augusta in April next year.

The world number one continues to make steady progress from the serious knee injury that has kept him off the course since his heroic victory in the US Open in June.

Woods insists he will not swing a club before January in order to give the knee every chance to heal but believes his game will be ship-shape for the first Major of 2009.

"If I have six months off from surgery, that puts me into January, and another four months, that puts me at pretty much 10 months," he said. "That's a long time. I figure I can come back after 10 months.

"Generally it's between six-to-nine months and (American football players) are able to come back and compete and play. And if they can do it at that level, I hope I can do it in golf.

"You have to let the ligament heal. It has to get more taut. I don't want to stretch it out. I don't want to have it go back to where it was.

"I have to keep it taut, which means no rotation, everything in a straight plane. I feel good. I can do everything, except for rotation right now. I'm not allowed to rotate yet."


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BECKMAN TAKES TITLE IN PLAY-OFF

Cameron Beckman won the Frys.com Open at the second extra hole after a final-round 63 forced a play-off with overnight leader Kevin Sutherland.

Beckman made up three strokes on Sutherland at Grayhawk Golf Club in Arizona to finish tied on 18 under for the tournament.

The pair both parred the first extra hole but Sutherland was in trouble at the second, the 464-yard 17th, flying the green with his third shot which allowed his opponents two putts from seven feet for the title.

England's Brian Davis finished 67th after a final round of 73 - his worst of the week - left him one under par.

Collated final-round scores (USA unless stated, par 72):

262 Cameron Beckman 69 66 64 63 (Beckman won at the second play-off hole), Kevin Sutherland 67 66 63 66

263 Mathew Goggin (Aus) 69 63 68 63

266 Arron Oberholser 65 64 71 66, J J Henry 65 69 68 64, Mike Weir (Can) 66 68 69 63

267 Michael Sim (Aus) 72 63 68 64, Pat Perez 71 66 67 63, Paul Goydos 70 62 66 69, Steve Allan (Aus) 67 63 68 69

268 Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 67 70 66 65, George McNeill 68 63 66 71, Davis Love III 69 67 67 65, Woody Austin 69 65 65 69, Brenden Pappas (Rsa) 69 69 64 66, Bob Tway 69 67 64 68

269 Sean O'Hair 68 65 69 67, Billy Mayfair 69 64 68 68, Steve Elkington (Aus) 66 67 68 68

270 Nick Watney 69 67 66 68, Charley Hoffman 70 65 69 66, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 68 65 67, Brad Elder 68 63 70 69, Robert Garrigus 66 66 71 67, Todd Hamilton 69 69 64 68, John Mallinger 63 69 66 72, Peter Lonard (Aus) 69 70 64 67, Bill Haas 66 68 68 68

271 Robert Gamez 67 69 69 66, Michael Letzig 69 66 68 68, Chris Stroud 65 71 67 68, Tim Clark (Rsa) 70 64 71 66, Rocco Mediate 68 69 66 68

272 Patrick Sheehan 72 64 68 68, John Merrick 74 65 67 66, Omar Uresti 67 70 66 69, Jeff Quinney 68 71 65 68, Mathias Gronberg (Swe) 65 68 72 67, Bubba Watson 69 66 70 67, Y. E Yang (Kor) 66 71 64 71, Martin Laird (Sco) 73 66 67 66, Douglas Labelle 63 72 69 68

273 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 72 67 68 66, Tim Herron 72 65 71 65, Steve Lowery 72 64 69 68, John Riegger 70 68 66 69, Tommy Gainey 68 68 66 71

274 Bob Estes 71 68 66 69, Ryan Palmer 73 66 69 66

275 Richard Johnson (Wal) 64 71 72 68, Charlie Wi (Kor) 68 70 67 70, Brett Quigley 71 67 68 69, Jim McGovern 67 70 71 67, Steve Flesch 69 70 67 69, Scott Verplank 69 70 67 69, Jonathan Byrd 71 67 67 70

276 Olin Browne 68 71 66 71, John Douma 70 69 65 72, James Driscoll 70 69 68 69, Kevin Streelman 68 67 67 74

277 Chad Collins 67 68 66 76, Todd Demsey 65 69 72 71, Mark Hensby (Aus) 69 66 70 72, Tom Pernice Jnr. 67 70 68 72

278 Chris Riley 67 67 73 71, Nick Flanagan (Aus) 71 67 69 71

279 Brian Davis (Eng) 72 63 71 73

280 Marco Dawson 65 71 69 75, Eric Axley 73 66 69 72, Shane Bertsch 69 69 70 72, Frank Lickliter II 69 67 70 74

WILL US INFLUX BENEFIT EUROPEAN TOUR?

Europe may have lost the Ryder Cup last month but the strength in depth of the continent's golfers is apparent for all to see.

Even taking away the obvious achievement of Padraig Harrington's USPGA victory in August to add to his second successive Open title, the best of the rest are not far behind.

With two events remaining on the European Tour there are five players in with a chance of being crowned number one.

And the issue will not be decided until the climax of the season in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama next week - tour bosses could not have wished for a better finish.

Ultra-consistent Swede Robert Karlsson, who played solidly for Europe at Valhalla, tops the pile with two wins and 10 top-10 finishes.

That puts him just ahead of Harrington, who must feel slightly aggrieved that his only two victories this season have both been majors yet are still not enough to put him clear.

The Irishman has only two other top-10 finishes to his credit but, to be fair, he has played fewer events and the exertions of those major wins can often have a knock-on effect later in the season.

Third-placed Westwood is the byword for consistency as, without a win this season, he has been boosted by 12 top-10 finishes.

Jimenez has two wins and seven other top-10s while Stenson, the only one of the quintet playing in the Castello Masters in Spain this week, has 10 top-10s.

A variety of outcomes are possible but Karlsson remains the favourite to claim the title.

This year, of course, is the last of the old-style Order of Merit. From next season the lucrative Race to Dubai begins.

In a bid to strengthen the tour further, millions of pounds have been invested in the future of European golf.

It could mean the leading player on the European Tour next year is not a European - not a new occurrence after the successes of Ernie Els, Retief Goosen et al but an increasingly likely one considering the admiring glances and noises being made from across the Atlantic.

Next season there is the possibility the likes of Phil Mickelson and other big names - Tiger Woods excluded - from the PGA Tour coming over to try to bag the riches on offer.

That then opens up the debate as to whether the influx of these stars will benefit the European game as a whole.

Yes, our players will be facing more of the world's best but will that increase the chances of the bigger tournaments being won by the chosen few who can afford to take three weeks off to prepare for an event, fly in, play and fly out again?

A sort of Champions League of golf, so to speak.

It will inevitably mean more focus on those tournaments and less on the bread-and-butter events which provide the building block for much of the talent coming through.

At the other end of the scale you have players fighting for their futures as they try to secure their cards for next year.

They are the ones who need the other, less high-profile events, to earn a living by accumulating enough to qualify for another 12-month stint on tour.

The calendar is already packed with events and it would be a shame if , because of the pressures of the big-money tournaments, some were to be lost to ease the congestion.


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GARCIA DEDICATES WIN TO SEVE

Sergio Garcia dedicated his first European Tour win since 2005 to Seve Ballesteros after victory in the Castellon Masters on the course he played as a boy.

The 28-year-old, hosting the inaugural event at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is still the host professional, closed with a four-under-par 67 to finish three shots ahead of Sweden's Peter Hedblom, who signed for a 66, and five clear of Alexander Noren (65).

Ballesteros, 51, is seriously ill in hospital following three operations on a brain tumour.

"I couldn't help but think about Seve," said Garcia. "I'm sending all my love to him and his family and hope he recovers soon.

"I hope this victory helps him to get a little better."

Having taken a four-shot lead into the final round after scores of 66, 65 and 66, Garcia held off the strong challenge of Hedblom, the only player who threatened to spoil the fairytale story when he opened today with four successive birdies.

But he never got ahead of Garcia, who used his knowledge of every nook and cranny of the course to complete a memorable victory and move up to third in the world rankings.

English duo David Lynn and Simon Dyson were tied for second overnight alongside Hedblom and Soren Kjeldsen, but failed to close the gap and ended up joint fourth after rounds of 69.

"It feels absolutely awesome," said Garcia. "I didn't play amazing and when Peter had such a great start I thought these guys were not making it easy for me.

"On the back nine I felt I had it under control and had a lot of chances and putts but didn't make that many.

"It just feels very special and means so much. Just getting the tournament here was special for me and my family but to play the way I did and win it is awesome."

Garcia birdied the first hole to move to 17 under overall but Hedblom did the same to keep him in his sights, and then reined the Spaniard back in with three more birdies to narrow the gap to just one shot.

At the par-three sixth, Garcia missed the green from the tee and had a tricky chip which he failed to get up and down, while Hedblom sank a simple putt for par to draw level on 16 under.

Garcia immediately responded by picking up a shot at the seventh, holing a putt from eight feet following an excellent approach shot to regain the outright lead, and extended that advantage with a birdie on the eighth.

Both players birdied the 13th and 16th and when Hedblom bogeyed the 17th to fall three shots behind, it was all but over.

There was also drama as two players battled for 118th place on the Order of Merit to retain their card for next season.

With 118th-placed Patrick Sjoland failing to make the cut, Garry Houston needed just under Ј8,800 to keep his card but finishing two under overall left him short.

Francois Delamontagne was eventually the lucky man, scraping in by about Ј240 despite carding a three-over 74.

Collated final-round scores (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71):

264 Sergio Garcia (Spa) 66 65 66 67

267 Peter Hedblom (Swe) 68 65 68 66

269 Alexander Noren (Swe) 68 68 68 65

270 Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 64 67 70 69, David Lynn 67 66 68 69, Simon Dyson 66 67 68 69

271 Peter Hanson (Swe) 65 73 67 66, Richard Finch 65 66 71 69

272 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 67 68 68 69, Paul Casey 69 67 69 67, Rory McIlroy 68 67 69 68, Stephen Gallacher 67 70 65 70

273 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 71 66 69 67, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 67 66 76 64

274 Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa) 66 72 67 69, Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 66 71 69 68, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 65 70 69 70, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 65 72 69 68, Sam Little 72 69 66 67

275 Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 69 67 67 72, Phillip Archer 67 68 70 70, Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 70 66 69 70, Thomas Levet (Fra) 66 68 73 68

276 Felipe Aguilar (Chi) 71 67 68 70, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa) 70 68 67 71, Gary Orr 70 67 69 70, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 69 68 68 71, Camilo Villegas (Col) 70 66 71 69

277 Jose-Filipe Lima (Por) 70 70 67 70, Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 65 70 70, Chris Wood 68 72 69 68, Nick Dougherty 68 69 72 68, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 69 68 68 72

278 Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 71 69 67 71, Justin Rose 67 70 70 71, Jean Van de velde (Fra) 68 70 68 72, John Bickerton 66 70 73 69, Mark Foster 72 70 68 68, Bradley Dredge 71 68 68 71

279 Christian Cevaer (Fra) 72 68 69 70, David Griffiths 67 71 70 71, Paul Lawrie 71 70 71 67, Alastair Forsyth 68 70 73 68, Markus Brier (Aut) 74 67 76 62, Stuart Manley 69 68 73 69, Ross McGowan 72 69 70 68

280 Anthony Wall 71 69 67 73, Francois Delamontagne (Fra) 66 67 73 74, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 71 69 71 69, Barry Lane 71 69 72 68

281 Pedro Linhart (Spa) 68 72 70 71, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 68 70 67 76, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 71 68 71 71

282 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 71 68 70 73, Garry Houston 67 71 71 73, Jean-Francois Remesy (Fra) 73 69 71 69, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg) 67 71 73 71

283 David Howell 69 73 72 69, Benn Barham 68 72 75 68, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 69 73 71 70, Simon Wakefield 72 68 73 70, Johan Edfors (Swe) 70 71 72 70

285 Lee Slattery 71 71 69 74, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 72 70 73 70

287 Peter O'Malley (Aus) 72 70 75 70

293 Pelle Edberg (Swe) 70 72 74 77


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OBERHOLSER OPENS NARROW ADVANTAGE

Arron Oberholser carded eight birdies and two bogeys in his second-round 64 to lead the Frys.com Open by a stroke on 11-under from Steve Allan.

Oberholser enjoyed a sizzling start at Grayhawk Golf Club, sinking birdies on four of his first six holes while the 33-year-old was also perfect off the tee as he hit every fairway.

Allan began his round on the back nine but the Australian birdied five of his final seven holes on the front to finish seven-under for the day and 10-under for the tournament.

Americans Brad Elder and George McNeill both collected eight birdies and a single bogey en route to rounds of 63 to finish two shots behind Oberholser on nine-under.

Paul Goydos posted the lowest round of the day, collecting eight birdies during a bogey-free round of 62. First round co-leader John Mallinger joined Goydos, Matthew Goggin and Robert Garrigus on eight-under after shooting a 69.


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DYSON BLOWS HOT

Englishman Simon Dyson claimed he played the best round of his life after a five-under-par 66 left him two shots off the lead at the end of the first day of the Castello Masters.

The 30-year-old needs a good week in Spain to secure entry to next week's season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama, where last year he lost out in a play-off to Justin Rose.

He was 62nd on the European Tour's Order of Merit heading into this event and only the top 60 players qualify, but he was delighted with the way he played and hopes the rich vein of form continues.

"That was probably as good as it gets," said Dyson, who trailed leader Soren Kjeldsen by two shots.

"It's the best I've ever played tee to green. It was nearly a perfect round.

"I gave myself a lot of chances and I didn't ever feel there was a danger I wouldn't make par.

"My putting was good - the greens were immaculate. I've been playing well all season but haven't been putting well. I'm trying to be more positive and it's done me some good.

"Last week was great as I birdied the last two holes which moved me up to 62nd in the Order of Merit."

When asked about his chances of winning the title this week, Dyson insisted he is not getting carried away and that his main aim is qualifying for the Volvo Masters.

"I need another good week to get into Valderrama," he added.

"But I'm feeling good and hitting the ball probably the best I've ever hit it. The shots I wanted to hit I pulled off every time.

"I've just got to keep taking every day as it comes and if I can carry on playing like this you never know. We'll see what happens."


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SEVE OPERATION A SUCCESS

Doctors at Madrid's La Paz hospital have declared Seve Ballesteros' third brain operation a success.

Friday's surgery lasted over six hours and was intended to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by by an edema, and to remove remaining tumour tissues.

Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and has already had two operations - the second to reduce swelling on the brain.

A statement issued by the La Paz hospital read: "The patient Mr Severiano Ballesteros has been subjected to a new surgery that ended at 1700 today with no complications occurring.

"In the operation, the aims originally planned have been achieved and the edema and the remnants of the tumour eliminated.

"The patient entered the operating room of the neurosurgery service at 0830 for the preparation and process anaesthetic and the intervention began at 1030.

"It has involved three neurosurgeons, two anaesthesiologists and three nurses.

"The patient is stable... and is currently under observation in the intensive care unit."

Justin Rose earlier offered words of support to the golfing great.

The Englishman, who had just completed his second round at the Castello Masters, said all the players were waiting on tenterhooks for further news.

"Everyone is keeping a very close eye on the situation and wishing Seve all the best,'' said Rose.

"We are all wishing him and his family well.

"I know everyone here is sending their heartfelt best wishes and thinking of him.''

Alvaro Quiros, who won the Portugal Masters last week, echoed Rose's sentiments, adding: "We can't help him with words, that won't be enough.

"It is not in our hands and all I can say is good luck to Seve and I hope he recovers.''


BALLESTEROS RECOVERING
Lions fire Millen after 7 years as president, CEO
BALLESTEROS STABLE AFTER FAINTING

GARCIA EYES HOME WIN

There was no place like home for Sergio Garcia on Friday as a six-under-par 65 gave him a share of the lead at the Castello Masters on a course he grew up playing.

The Spaniard, hosting the inaugural tournament, showed sparkling form at the Club de Campo Mediterraneo, where his father Victor is still the professional, to reach 11 under after his second round.

That put him level with Englishman Richard Finch and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen, the first-round leader.

Garcia suffered a shaky start with a bogey at the second hole, but used his local knowledge to good effect as he fired seven birdies thereafter.

His back nine was peppered with some sublime short play, the highlight of which was a brilliantly controlled chip from the rough with his second shot on 18 which stopped inches from the pin.

"I've had to play that shot many times but that's probably the closest I've got," said Garcia.

"I knew as soon as I hit it that it would be close and it was great to finish the round with a birdie again.

"This week is great. It's nice to be in this position as there is a little bit of pressure playing on my home course. But I'm really enjoying it and hope I can be 100 per cent over the weekend."

Finch went on a six-hole birdie spree on his way to a 66, racking up shots on six successive holes from the fifth, but that run came to an abrupt halt at the par-four 11th where he three-putted for bogey, and he dropped another shot at the last.

Kjeldsen also bogeyed the 18th, finding bunkers from the tee and with his second shot, for a 67, which cost him the outright lead.

It was a different story 12 months ago for Finch as he left it until his last event of the season to secure his card with a seventh-placed finish at the Mallorca Classic.

Three months after that he won the New Zealand Open, in May he clinched the Irish Open, and he was comfortably placed at 19th in the Order of Merit heading into this event.

"I'm sleeping a little better than I did this time last year," said Finch.

"I'm still as determined as I was last year but the pressure is not so great and I'm able to sleep a lot better.

"Keeping hold of your card is such a tough thing to do.

"Today was strange. The run of birdies was great and it was like I couldn't miss. But then on the way back I only had one and it shows how the game can turn."

Five players were on nine under, including Alvaro Quiros, last week's Portugal Masters champion, who continued his red-hot form with a 66, and Frenchman Francois Delamontagne, who needs a strong performance to finish in the top 115 and retain his European Tour card for next season.

Camilo Villegas lived up to his billing as one of golf's most exciting young talents by hitting a hole in one on the par-three 12th, which helped him to a five-under 66 to leave him six under.

Garcia said of the shot: "I said to him you're not supposed to do this on my home course. But I was just joking, I was very happy for him.

"That was the hole where I got my first ever hole in one."

Collated second round scores & totals in the European Tour Castello Masters Costa Azahar, Club de Campo, Castellon, Spain

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71):

131 Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 64 67, Richard Finch 65 66, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 66 65

133 Francois Delamontagne (Fra) 66 67, David Lynn 67 66, Peter Hedblom (Swe) 68 65, Simon Dyson 66 67, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 67 66

134 Thomas Levet (Fra) 66 68

135 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 67 68, Rory McIlroy 68 67, Phillip Archer 67 68, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 65 70

136 Paul Casey 69 67, Alexander Noren (Swe) 68 68, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 69 67, Camilo Villegas (Col) 70 66, Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 70 66, John Bickerton 66 70

137 Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 65, Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 71 66, Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 66 71, Gary Orr 70 67, Nick Dougherty 68 69, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 65 72, Stuart Manley 69 68, Justin Rose 67 70, Stephen Gallacher 67 70, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 69 68, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 69 68

138 Garry Houston 67 71, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa) 70 68, David Griffiths 67 71, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg) 67 71, Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa) 66 72, Peter Hanson (Swe) 65 73, Felipe Aguilar (Chi) 71 67, Jean Van de velde (Fra) 68 70, Alastair Forsyth 68 70, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 68 70

139 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 71 68, Bradley Dredge 71 68, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 71 68

140 Christian Cevaer (Fra) 72 68, Chris Wood 68 72, Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 71 69, Benn Barham 68 72, Simon Wakefield 72 68, Anthony Wall 71 69, Jose-Filipe Lima (Por) 70 70, Pedro Linhart (Spa) 68 72, Barry Lane 71 69, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 71 69

141 Paul Lawrie 71 70, Markus Brier (Aut) 74 67, Sam Little 72 69, Johan Edfors (Swe) 70 71, Ross McGowan 72 69

142 Lee Slattery 71 71, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 72 70, David Howell 69 73, Jean-Francois Remesy (Fra) 73 69, Pelle Edberg (Swe) 70 72, Mark Foster 72 70, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 69 73, Peter O'Malley (Aus) 72 70

Missed the cut:

143 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 72 71, Daniel Vancsik (Arg) 73 70, Sam Walker 73 70, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 71 72, Santiago Luna (Spa) 69 74, Scott Drummond 72 71, Oliver Fisher 70 73, Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 71 72

144 Steve Webster 67 77, Patrik Sjoland (Swe) 72 72, Phillip Price 74 70, Rafael Echenique (Arg) 71 73, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 73 71, Andres Romero (Arg) 73 71, Paul McGinley 72 72, Miles Tunnicliff 67 77

145 Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra) 71 74, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 75 70, Anders Hansen (Den) 73 72, David Frost (Rsa) 72 73, Peter Lawrie 71 74, Carlos Rodiles (Spa) 76 69, Carl Suneson (Spa) 74 71, Marc Warren 73 72, Niclas Fasth (Swe) 75 70

146 Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) 69 77, Paul Broadhurst 76 70, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 73 73

147 Luis Claverie (Spa) 76 71, Carlos Garcia (Spa) 75 72

148 Gary Murphy 74 74, Robert Dinwiddie 73 75, Tom Whitehouse 75 73, Ariel Canete (Arg) 71 77, Gregory Havret (Fra) 75 73, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 74 74

149 Carlos Balmaseda (Spa) 73 76, Jordi Garcia (Spa) 80 69

150 Leif Westerberg (Swe) 76 74, Graeme Storm 75 75

151 Pablo Martin (Spa) 72 79, Emanuele Canonica (Ita) 79 72, Simon Khan 74 77

155 Henrik Nystrom (Swe) 77 78

156 Federico Cabrera (Arg) 77 79

166 Luis Romero (Arg) 86 80


GARCIA PUTS DISAPPOINTMENT BEHIND HIM
GARCIA HOPES TO DOUBLE UP
With Gustav a memory, Saints happy to be home
Bucs’ Brooks, Garcia questionable against Falcons

KJELDSEN BACK TO HIS BEST

Soren Kjeldsen shot a seven-under-par 64 to lead by one shot after the first day of the Castello Masters and afterwards revealed he was glad to be back in form after the disappointment of missing out on a place in the European Ryder Cup team.

The Dane had his heart set on making Nick Faldo's team and claims his game suffered as a result of his failure to do so.

The 33-year-old tied for 30th at the British Masters in September then finished a disappointing 13 over par for joint 131st at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland last month.

Last week he tied for 16th at the Portugal Masters to signal an upturn in fortunes, and he improved even further with an impressive round in Spain today.

"For me it was sort of a post-mortem Ryder Cup thing," said Kjeldsen.

"I desperately wanted to get on the team but I didn't make it and it knocked me a bit.

"When I didn't make it maybe I was out there with not the best focus.

"I wasn't sure what I was trying to achieve because the goal was gone. It took me a while to get things into perspective and get on with it."

On leading today, Kjeldsen added: "It was a very solid round. I'm hitting it pretty straight especially with my short irons.

"My plan is just to keep playing the same and trust in myself.

"There is a long way to go but today was a great start."

One shot back on six under were Englishman Richard Finch, Spaniard Ignacio Garrido, Argentinian Angel Cabrera and Swede Peter Hanson, while seven players including Spanish pair Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal were five under after rounds of 66.

Tournament favourite Garcia, who is hosting the event at the club he played as a boy and where his father is still the professional, closed his round with three successive birdies.

"Scoring-wise it was good but I know I need to play a little better," said Garcia.

"It feels good playing at home this week. It's good fun. There has been a lot of build-up to it and it's finally here and I was a little nervous this morning."

Two other players on five under are Yorkshireman Simon Dyson and 2002 Open runner-up Thomas Levet, who are aiming for good performances to secure entry to next week's season-ending Volvo Masters.

Only the top 60 players in the Order of Merit gain exemption for the event at Valderrama, and the pair sit 62nd and 61st respectively.

Dyson, who along with Kjeldsen lost out in a play-off to Justin Rose at the same tournament last year, was bullish about his chances.

"Today was the best I've ever played tee to green," he said. "It was nearly a perfect round.

"I gave myself a lot of chances and I didn't ever feel there was a danger I wouldn't make par.

"I've just got to keep taking every day as it comes and if I can carry on playing like this you never know. We'll see what happens."

Finch, who has won twice on the European Tour this year, most recently at the Irish Open in May, was one of a number of players to have a bogey-free card.

"I'm pleased with six under," said Finch, who earned his 2008 tour card by the skin of his teeth last year, rising to 113th after an excellent performance in the penultimate tournament.

"I played well on the front nine but it could have been better.

"I had many opportunities to make birdies. But the most important thing is to keep bogeys off your card."

Collated first-round scores (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71):

64 Soren Kjeldsen (Den)

65 Peter Hanson (Swe), Richard Finch, Angel Cabrera (Arg), Ignacio Garrido (Spa)

66 Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa), Alvaro Velasco (Spa), Francois Delamontagne (Fra), Sergio Garcia (Spa), John Bickerton, Simon Dyson, Thomas Levet (Fra)

67 Mikael Lundberg (Swe), Garry Houston, Steve Webster, David Griffiths, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg), David Lynn, Alvaro Quiros (Spa), Stephen Gallacher, Justin Rose, Phillip Archer, Miles Tunnicliff

68 Chris Wood, Benn Barham, Nick Dougherty, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Pedro Linhart (Spa), Rory McIlroy, Alexander Noren (Swe), Jean Van de velde (Fra), Alastair Forsyth, Gregory Bourdy (Fra)

69 David Howell, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Stuart Manley, Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Paul Casey, Thomas Bjorn (Den), Santiago Luna (Spa), Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe)

70 Gary Orr, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa), Maarten Lafeber (Ned), Pelle Edberg (Swe), Oliver Fisher, Johan Edfors (Swe), Jose-Filipe Lima (Por), Camilo Villegas (Col)

71 Martin Erlandsson (Swe), Rafael Echenique (Arg), Peter Lawriem Pablo Larrazabal (Spa), Magnus A Carlsson (Swe), Anthony Wall, Felipe Aguilar (Chi), Lee Slattery, Michael Jonzon (Swe), Bradley Dredge, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra), Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind), Andrew McLardy (Rsa), Paul Lawrie, Ariel Canete (Arg), Barry Lane, Richard Sterne (Rsa)

72 Christian Cevaer (Fra), Robert Jan Derksen (Ned), Francesco Molinari (Ita), Patrik Sjoland (Swe), Shiv Kapur (Ind), Scott Drummond, David Frost (Rsa), Simon Wakefield, Paul McGinley, Mark Foster, Pablo Martin (Spa), Sam Little, Peter O'Malley (Aus), Ross McGowan

73 Anders Hansen (Den), Robert Dinwiddie, Carlos Balmaseda (Spa), Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Daniel Vancsik (Arg), Sam Walker, Marc Warren, Andres Romero (Arg), Jean-Francois Remesy (Fra), Jyoti Randhawa (Ind)

74 Gary Murphy, Carl Suneson (Spa), Markus Brier (Aut), Phillip Price, Henrik Stenson (Swe), Simon Khan

75 Mikko Ilonen (Fin), Niclas Fasth (Swe), Tom Whitehouse, Carlos Garcia (Spa), Gregory Havret (Fra), Jose Manuel Lara (Spa), Graeme Storm

76 Leif Westerberg (Swe), Luis Claverie (Spa), Carlos Rodiles (Spa), Paul Broadhurst

77 Henrik Nystrom (Swe), Federico Cabrera (Arg)

79 Emanuele Canonica (Ita)

80 Jordi Garcia (Spa)

86 Luis Romero (Arg)

Retired: Jamie Donaldson


Bucs’ Brooks, Garcia questionable against Falcons
DOUGHERTY STILL IN THE HUNT

VAN DE VELDE CUTS TOUR COMMITMENTS

Jean Van de Velde is quitting full-time golf and will only play a handful of events on the European Tour next season.

The Frenchman, who is competing in this week's Castello Masters in Spain, is currently too low on the money list to retain his card for 2009.

But the 42-year-old's management company said on Tuesday he will not change his mind even if he climbs into the top 115 by the end of the season.

Van de Velde is best known for his spectacular collapse in The Open at Carnoustie in 1999, when he held a three-shot lead with one hole to play only to rack up a triple-bogey and eventually lose out to Paul Lawrie in a play-off.

A skiing accident six years ago left him with chronic knee problems and he also wants to spend more time with his family.


CAMPBELL SEEKING MORE SUCCESS
Panthers’ Colclough charged with DWI, then cut
Cowboys get CB Newman back, lose another two

BALLESTEROS RECOVERING

Seve Ballesteros remained in intensive care on Wednesday but is showing signs of improvement, La Paz hospital confirmed.

The 51-year-old five-time major winner has had two operations on his brain since the diagnosis of a tumour earlier this month and is being kept under sedation.

A spokesperson for the Madrid hospital said: "They let him wake up for a short while.

"He reacted well and then they put him back under sedation again.

"As hours go by it means a bit of recovery."


BALLESTEROS RECOVERING WELL
Jets LB Pace questionable, but expects to play

TURNESA HITS THE MARC

Marc Turnesa fired a four-under-par 68 to win the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Turnesa finished at 25-under 263 to record the first PGA Tour victory of his career.

Matt Kuchar was second, a stroke back at 24 under after a closing 67.

Chad Campbell, John Mallinger and Michael Allen tied for third, three shots behind Turnesa, who earned US dollars 738,000 (Ј425,000) for the win.

Turnesa comes from a successful golf family. His late grandfather Michael won six PGA tour events and his great uncle Joe had 15 tour titles to his credit.

Collated final round scores from the US PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at the TPC at Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA unless stated, par 72):

263 Marc Turnesa 62 64 69 68

264 Matt Kuchar 63 63 71 67

266 Chad Campbell 65 67 67 67, Michael Allen 63 69 64 70, John Mallinger 64 64 70 68

267 Tim Herron 72 65 68 62, Davis Love III 68 67 65 67

268 Scott Sterling 69 65 70 64, Tom Pernice Jnr. 68 68 67 65

269 Brad Adamonis 67 65 66 71, Zach Johnson 62 65 70 72, Chris DiMarco 69 64 63 73, Mike Weir (Can) 69 68 66 66, Charles Howell III 67 67 69 66

270 Brian Davis (Eng) 65 68 66 71, Charley Hoffman 67 67 68 68, James Driscoll 71 65 68 66, Kevin Na 64 70 67 69, Bob Estes 66 68 70 66, Daniel Chopra (Swe) 69 65 68 68, George McNeill 67 67 67 69, Ken Duke 63 66 67 74, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 67 66 71 66

271 Kent Jones 69 69 66 67, Chris Stroud 65 65 67 74, Pat Perez 66 63 71 71, Mark Hensby (Aus) 69 65 68 69, Kevin Sutherland 69 67 66 69, Fred Couples 68 64 69 70, Mark Wilson 70 65 69 67, Jason Day (Aus) 70 67 68 66, Hunter Mahan 65 69 72 65, Bill Haas 68 68 65 70, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 68 67 71 65, Ryan Moore 66 64 68 73

272 Nick Watney 63 68 73 68, Jeff Maggert 70 68 69 65, Robert Garrigus 65 69 68 70, Eric Axley 68 69 69 66, Woody Austin 67 67 68 70, Parker McLachlin 67 69 67 69, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 69 65 66 72

273 Joe Durant 65 70 68 70, John Huston 71 63 69 70, Kevin Streelman 68 69 68 68, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 72 65 70 66

274 Dean Wilson 69 63 72 70, Steve Marino 71 64 69 70, Brett Quigley 68 67 72 67, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 68 70 69, Chez Reavie 64 66 69 75, Frank Lickliter II 65 69 71 69

275 Charlie Wi (Kor) 69 66 71 69, Ben Crane 69 69 68 69, Rich Beem 66 65 72 72, Bo Van Pelt 67 69 68 71

276 Jason Gore 68 70 68 70

277 Steve Lowery 68 70 70 69, Peter Lonard (Aus) 66 69 72 70

278 Charles Warren 65 72 67 74, Omar Uresti 68 70 70 70

279 Jason Allred 69 69 70 71, John Riegger 66 68 70 75

280 Mike Ruiz 67 71 69 73

281 David Duval 69 68 69 75, Matthew Jones (Aus) 66 71 71 73

282 Patrick Sheehan 68 69 66 79, Nick Flanagan (Aus) 64 74 68 76

284 Jeff Overton 69 69 70 76, Kenneth Ferrie (Eng) 66 70 70 78

287 Nicholas Thompson 68 65 75 79


U.S. appeals court OKs Facenda suit against NFL
KUCHAR AND TURNESA ON TOP
STROUD LEADS IN TEXAS

GOOSEN ADDED TO JOHOR FIELD

Two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen is to headline next week's Iskandar Johor Open following the withdrawal of Vijay Singh with an arm injury.

Organisers of the Asian Tour event confirmed on Tuesday that the 39-year-old South African will tee off in the tournament at the Royal Johor Country Club from October 30 to November 2.

"We are happy to confirm Goosen's participation. Having missed out on Vijay because of his injury, we're very proud to attract another big name for the championship," said tournament organising committee chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

"Goosen's presence at the IJO will add a touch of class. He is a big name in golf and hopefully the fans and players alike will benefit from his participation here."

Goosen, who is 46th in the official world rankings, finished joint second in the 2003 Malaysian Open but his participation in the Johor Open marks his first visit to the country's southernmost city.

"I am looking forward to the trip to Johor Bahru. It will be a new experience for me and a challenging one because of the humidity," he said.

"It hasn't been a good year for me. I have not managed to get a win yet. But I hope my fortunes will change in Johor."


Falcons’ White questionable after hitting head
SINGH PREPARES FOR VICTORY MARCH
Kicker Nugent still banged up so Jets sign Feely

QUIROS INSPIRED BY SEVE

Alvaro Quiros revealed Seve Ballesteros was the inspiration behind his three-shot victory at the Oceanico Portuguese Masters.

The powerful Spaniard picked up the biggest cheque of his career after holding off European Tour Order of Merit leader Robert Karlsson and former Open winner Paul Lawrie at the Victoria Club in Vilamoura.

All Spanish golfing attention has been devoted to the failing health of legend Ballesteros, and Quiros' thoughts, too, were with the 51-year-old.

"My caddy told me that Seve always wanted to beat everybody and today I drew inspiration from thinking about the way he played his golf," said the 25-year-old from Cadiz.

"Seve was and still is an inspiration for all of the Spaniards, particularly when things don't go very straight.

"But with the short game I stopped and remembered him - when he made chips and putts with wonderful recoveries.

"Seve was playing in a different way to the rest of the world. He was something special.

"He was playing more with the heart than the real game and when you think about it, you have two ways to make a birdie.

"The easy way: driver, green and one putt, and the other is one drive - don't know where - a chip and a good putt. That's how I played and Seve sometimes had rounds like that."

Quiros calmly sunk a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to finish on 19 under par, three ahead of Lawrie with Karlsson, Ross Fisher and Steve Webster a further shot back.

The Spaniard signalled his ability with victory in the 2007 Dunhill Championship in South Africa but that field could not compare to the one in Vilamoura, which contained six members of the recent European Ryder Cup team.

Karlsson now only leads Padraig Harrington by around Ј246,000 in the money list heading into the Volvo Masters, when victory for the Swede would have almost certainly settled the Order of Merit title.

The lowest score of the final day belonged to Bristol's Chris Wood, who as an amateur finished tied for fifth place to take the Silver Medal in this year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Having turned pro immediately after that achievement, and this weekend playing in the last of his permitted seven invitations, Wood's 65 produced his first top-10 finish in the paid ranks. However, it left him with a dilemma.

He is now scheduled to attend the second stage of Q School at Jerez in Spain, working towards earning a Tour card for 2009, but his top-10 placing has also earned him the right to play in the coming week's Castellon Masters near Gerona.

The two events run back-to-back and after playing seven of the last nine weeks, his energy levels are running low.

"Q School and getting my card for next year has to be my priority," said Wood. "So I may not go to the Castellon."


QUIROS WINS IN PORTUGAL
Infant son of Bucs kicker Bryant passes away
Colts could have injured Addai, Sanders back soon
HARRINGTON WINS SHOT OF MONTH

RESCUED MARSHAL GRATEFUL TO ESCAPE

Cries of 'Help" are not normally heard at a golf tournament, but they were on Friday when a 69-year-old marshal had to be rescued from a lake.

Play in the European Tour's Portugal Masters in Vilamoura was halted for a short time after Graham Finch, a former captain of the High Post club in Salisbury, slid into the water on the seventh hole.

"It was not funny at the time. I was frightened - it's no good saying I wasn't," said Finch.

"I was up to my neck and I can swim only a few yards, so I cried out.

"At first someone came with an umbrella to try to pull me back to dry land, but I couldn't reach it and every time I tried to put a foot down I went further in.

"But another marshal was brilliant then. He came in and pushed me so I could reach the rocks and clamber out.

"I'd been watching drives and had taken a few backward steps when suddenly I did the splits and went down into the lake. It was like going down a children's slide."

After being given a change of clothing and time to recover from what he called "my lucky escape", Finch, who spends part of each year in the Algarve and is also an ex-captain of Quinta do Lago, was back working - at the same spot.

When the incident happening Jean Van de Velde - famous, of course, for his water exploits in the 1999 Open at Carnoustie - was playing the hole.

The rescue act was performed by Portuguese marshal Miguel Palhoa.


MANLEY PREPARES FOR CRUCIAL WEEKEND
NFL reinstates suspended Pacman for Week 1

PRESSEL BREAKS SEASON'S DROUGHT

Morgan Pressel birdied the final hole to win the inaugural Kapalua LPGA Classic and chalk up her first victory of the season.

The Kapalua tour professional shot a closing three-under 69 to edge out first-round leader Suzann Pettersen, another star seeking her first win of the season, (69) by a stroke on a course were the tradewinds were down considerably from the first three rounds.

Twenty-year-old Pressel birdied two of her final three holes and then made a critical 15-foot putt from the edge of the green to tie up her victory with an eight-under total of 280.

"I was nervous out there," said Pressel, who had missed a simple two-footer for birdie on 18 in the third round.

"I knew what I had to do. I didn't want to have to go extra holes."

The victory was her first win in her last 43 starts and her first top-10 finish since June.

"You expect her to make it," Pettersen said. "You expect good players to make putts."

Pressel won the Kraft Nabisco Championship last year to become the youngest player in LPGA Tour history to win a major.

Ironically Pettersen also tied for second in that event after faltering down the stretch.

Laura Diaz (70) finished third at six-under with Angela Stanford (70) and Sun Young Yoo (72) tied for fourth at four-under.

Pressel shed tears of joy and relief afterwards when she thanked her grandparents.

Winning had not been easy, the young tournament host having to play alongside the world numbers one and two Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam for the first two rounds.

Pressel showed great emotion when she holed the seven-foot birdie putt at the par-four 16th to match Pettersen, already in the clubhouse and hoping for a play-off.

Ochoa shot a 71 to tie for 14th at one-under while Sorenstam, who opened with a disastrous 77, closed with a 72 and a share of 25th at two-over.

"I do feel very good about my game, but I know the score doesn't reflect that and that's the bottom line in golf," Sorenstam said.

Sorenstam, who has won 72 times on the LPGA Tour, was making her penultimate competitive appearance in the United States before leaving the tour at the end of the year.

She will make her final US appearance at next month's ADT Championship.

Collated final round scores & totals in the LPGA Tour Kapalua LPGA Classic, Kapalua Plantation GC, Maui, Hawaii, United States of America

(USA unless stated, par 72):

280 Morgan Pressel 72 72 67 69

281 Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 68 72 72 69

282 Laura Diaz 70 71 71 70

284 Sun Young Yoo (Kor) 70 71 71 72, Angela Stanford 71 73 70 70

285 Carin Koch (Swe) 72 71 68 74, Stacy Lewis 73 73 73 66

286 Jee Young Lee (Kor) 71 70 70 75, Heather Young 72 74 67 73, Linda Wessberg (Swe) 76 71 68 71, Meena Lee (Kor) 73 72 70 71, Cristie Kerr 71 72 70 73, Brittany Lang 69 71 71 75

287 Lorena Ochoa (Mex) 74 69 73 71, Maria Hjorth (Swe) 73 74 69 71

288 Young-A Yang (Kor) 73 71 70 74, Becky Morgan (Wal) 72 71 72 73, Sarah Jane Kenyon 72 74 71 71, Michele Redman 72 74 73 69, Allison Fouch 72 73 74 69, Katherine Hull (Aus) 73 73 72 70

289 Ji-Young Oh (Kor) 70 71 76 72, Alena Sharp (Can) 74 67 72 76, Helen Alfredsson (Swe) 72 71 72 74

290 Laura Davies (Eng) 76 71 67 76, Jamie Hullett 72 72 73 73, Eun Hee Ji (Kor) 73 71 73 73, Annika Sorenstam (Swe) 77 70 71 72, Wendy Ward 73 71 73 73, Anna Rawson (Aus) 70 75 71 74, Seon Hwa Lee (Kor) 73 69 72 76, Rachel Hetherington (Aus) 77 71 68 74, Momoko Ueda (Jpn) 73 73 71 73, Janice Moodie (Sco) 74 72 68 76

291 Karrie Webb (Aus) 75 71 75 70, Sophie Giquel (Fra) 74 71 75 71, Carri Wood 73 74 72 72, Na Ri Kim (Kor) 74 69 76 72, A.J Eathorne (Can) 73 73 72 73

292 Ai Miyazato (Jpn) 74 74 71 73, Il Mi Chung (Kor) 73 68 71 80, Heather Daly-Donofrio 72 72 74 74

293 Virada Nirapathpongporn (Tha) 72 76 72 73, Louise Friberg (Swe) 73 74 73 73, Juli Inkster 72 72 75 74, Moira Dunn 74 69 76 74, Candie Kung (Tai) 72 70 76 75

294 Ya-Ni Tseng (Kor) 72 74 73 75, Jane Park 74 72 72 76, Sophie Gustafson (Swe) 71 74 76 73

295 Teresa Lu (Tai) 73 75 76 71, Gloria Park (Kor) 75 72 75 73, Diana D'Alessio 73 74 74 74, Kristy McPherson 70 76 74 75, Karine Icher (Fra) 74 72 76 73

296 Johanna Head (Eng) 71 76 74 75, Na On Min (Jpn) 72 76 73 75, Charlotte Mayorkas 72 75 77 72, Katie Futcher 71 77 72 76, Kris Tamulis 74 74 74 74

297 Beth Bader 76 70 77 74, Brandie Burton 70 76 74 77, Tracy Hanson 69 74 78 76

298 Sherri Turner 72 76 78 72, Amy Hung (Tha) 74 72 77 75, Christina Kim 73 74 76 75

299 Karin Sjodin (Swe) 71 75 74 79

300 Aree Song (Kor) 76 72 77 75

302 Jackie Gallagher-Smith 72 75 77 78

304 Lee Ann Walker-Cooper 76 71 77 80


Fisher: Titans to stick with QB Collins over Young
KIM CLAIMS MAIDEN LPGA TOUR WIN

QUIROS WINS IN PORTUGAL

Powerful young Spaniard Alvaro Quiros proved there is more to his game than just booming drives as he produced a three-shot victory at the Oceanico Portuguese Masters.

The 25-year-old from Cadiz showed he has strength of character to go with his power as he held off a determined challenge from European Money List leader Robert Karlsson and England's Ross Fisher.

And he clinched the Ј395,000 first prize - the biggest of his career - in some style, calmly sinking a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th green at the Victoria Club in Vilamoura to complete a final-round four-under-par 68 for a 19-under total.

Karlsson, who had been hot favourite to clinch his third successive Tour victory after wins in the German Masters and the Dunhill Links Championship, eventually had to settle for a share of third place after a series of mistakes.

Instead, the runners-up spot went to Scotland's Paul Lawrie, who produced his best tournament finish for three years.

The 1999 Open champion had previously only managed one top-10 finish this year but after signing for a final-round 67, he sounded very relieved, saying "It feels great to be competitive again."

But at the end of a week when all Spanish golfing attention has been devoted to the failing health of golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, the emergence of another exciting young star from that country will be welcomed.

Quiros sign-posted his ability with his victory in the 2007 Dunhill Championship in South Africa but that field could not compare to the one in Vilamoura, which contained six members of the recent European Ryder Cup team.

But it is not only his length that will attract golf fans across Europe but his engaging sense of humour, which was evident from the first tee when he starting cracking jokes with his two playing partners.

He had to get up early to complete his third round after a thunderstorm forced play to be abandoned early on Saturday night. And in completing five holes he moved one shot ahead of the field.

It was an advantage he did not hold onto for long when, after outrageously birdieing the opening hole with a 50-foot putt, he immediately bogeyed the second. It was the start of an afternoon when the lead was to change hands regularly.

A birdie at the second took Fisher to the top of the leaderboard and after an early dropped shot, Karlsson then produced three birdies on the trot.

But the tournament was finally sorted on the back nine as Fisher dropped back with a run of three successive bogeys and Karlsson found water at the 17th.

The Swede now only leads Padraig Harrington by around Ј246,000 in the money list heading for the Volvo Masters, when victory for Karlsson would have almost certainly settled the Order of Merit title.

For Quiros there is now a place in the Tournament of Champions in Shanghai, and throughout his round Ballesteros was never far from his thoughts.

"My caddy told me that Seve always wanted to beat everybody and today I drew inspiration from thinking about the way he played his golf," said Quiros.

The lowest score of the final day belonged to Bristol's Chris Wood, who as an amateur finished tied for fifth place to take the Silver Medal in this year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Having turned pro immediately after that achievement, and this weekend playing in the last of his permitted seven invitations, Wood's 65 produced his first top-10 finish in the paid ranks. However, it left him with a dilemma.

He is now scheduled to attend the second stage of Q School at Jerez in Spain, working towards earning a Tour card for 2009, but his top-10 placing has also earned him the right to play in the coming week's Castellon Masters near Gerona.

The two events run back-to-back and after playing seven of the last nine weeks, his energy levels are running low.

"Q School and getting my card for next year has to be my priority," said Wood. "So I may not go to the Castellon."

Collated final-round scores (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

269 Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 66 68 67 68

272 Paul Lawrie 70 65 70 67

273 Robert Karlsson (Swe) 69 67 66 71, Steve Webster 72 67 66 68, Ross Fisher 67 70 65 71

274 James Kingston (Rsa) 69 71 64 70

275 Soren Hansen (Den) 73 65 65 72, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 69 67 68 71, Simon Dyson 71 69 67 68

276 Anthony Wall 72 66 70 68, Rory McIlroy 69 69 69 69, Chris Wood 73 70 68 65

277 Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 67 75 66 69

278 Stuart Manley 65 68 73 72, David Lynn 70 69 68 71

279 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 71 68 67 73, Alexander Noren (Swe) 71 69 67 72, Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 67 74 72 66, Lee Westwood 72 67 72 68, Bradley Dredge 70 70 67 72

280 Sam Walker 67 73 69 71, Garry Houston 73 66 73 68

281 Felipe Aguilar (Chi) 68 68 72 73, Gary Orr 74 68 68 71, Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 67 73 73 68, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 73 69 66 73, Mark Foster 66 71 73 71, Peter Lawrie 72 69 71 69, Darren Clarke 72 69 74 66

282 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 69 66 72 75, Marc Warren 68 73 70 71, Paul Waring 71 71 68 72, David Howell 74 70 67 71, David Dixon 72 69 72 69, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra) 67 69 73 73, Martin Kaymer (Ger) 72 65 73 72, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 66 70 74 72

283 Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 72 71 68, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) 73 71 69 70, Jamie Donaldson 69 70 74 70, Oliver Fisher 73 71 71 68

284 Graeme McDowell 67 74 73 70, Richard Green (Aus) 71 69 72 72, Phillip Price 69 70 74 71

285 Peter Hanson (Swe) 73 69 70 73, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa) 69 72 72 72, Johan Edfors (Swe) 70 71 72 72

286 Stephen Gallacher 69 71 72 74, Gary Murphy 69 74 68 75, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg) 72 70 72 72, Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 74 68 73 71, John Bickerton 71 73 69 73

287 Patrik Sjoland (Swe) 72 72 69 74, Robert Rock 72 72 72 71, Thomas Levet (Fra) 71 73 73 70

288 Henrik Nystrom (Swe) 70 73 73 72, Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 73 71 73 71, David Frost (Rsa) 69 72 73 74

290 Marcel Siem (Ger) 68 71 73 78, Antonio Sobrinho (Por) 70 73 73 74, Gregory Havret (Fra) 71 71 71 77

291 Rafael Echenique (Arg) 72 71 71 77

292 Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra) 73 71 74 74, Nick Dougherty 70 70 73 79

293 Sion Bebb 68 74 72 79, Robert Dinwiddie 72 68 72 81, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 73 69 74 77

295 Graeme Storm 69 69 72 85

297 Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 72 69 73 83, Barry Lane 68 70 78 81


KARLSSON CLIMBS TO EIGHTH
SUCCESSIVE WINS FOR KARLSSON
Fisher: Titans to stick with QB Collins over Young

SCOTS TEAM UP FOR WORLD TITLE

Scotland completed an historic double by winning their first World Amateur Team Championship in Adelaide on Sunday.

After Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren won Scotland's first World Cup in November last year, Wallace Booth, Callum Macaulay and Gavin Dear secured the amateur crown to lift the Eisenhower Trophy with a nine-stroke victory.

The trio held a four-stroke lead over the United States going into the final day and held on in windy conditions to take the title.

Macaulay, who shot a one-under-par 72 on the Royal Adelaide Golf Club, said: "We set out to try to win but to go out and do it is unbelievable."

Macaulay's 72, combined with Dear's two-over 75, meant Scotland finished with a 20-under-par total of 560 for 72 holes. The Scots' final round 147 - one over par - was five strokes better than the United States' effort.

The American team finished second at 569 with Sweden third on 574.

USA captain Walter Driver admitted the Scots handled the conditions better.

"We got off to slow start and made some bogeys earlier and then we were really in a hole.

"There were very testing conditions with the wind blowing hard. Obviously, the Scots loved it. They played well."

Dear was in agreement.

"It helps because we feel we are all good wind players," he said. "It was good to have it blowing a mere gale and we know that par is a good score."

Scotland captain George Crawford said: "It is history in the making for a small nation as the home of golf.

"The way golf has developed on the continent means it's much more difficult to compete at this level. It's a historic occasion. It's tremendous."


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CURTIS SET FOR CUP DEBUT

MANLEY PREPARES FOR CRUCIAL WEEKEND

Stuart Manley, a schoolboy soccer starlet who had a trial with Manchester United, is about to find out how good a golfer he is.

The 29-year-old from Mountain Ash in Wales has never had a top 10 finish on the European Tour since turning professional in 2003, but at halfway in the Portugal Masters he is 11 under par and one ahead of Spaniard Alvaro Quiros.

From the depths of 174th on the Order of Merit and 575th in the world Manley followed up his opening 65 - the lowest round of his Tour career - with a 68 on Friday.

While Colin Montgomerie headed home after missing his fourth cut in his last five starts and for the ninth time this season, Manley looked ahead to the test that he realises the final 36 holes will be.

"I know what I've got to do," said the 2003 Walker Cup hero, who has his wife, brother, parents and a couple of friends in Vilamoura cheering him on.

"I just have to commit really. If the shots don't come off they don't come off, but as long as I commit and go out there and give myself a chance that's all I can ask for."

Winning the first prize of almost Ј400,000 is the aim, of course, but third place would be a great result. It is worth almost Ј150,000 and, having earned less than Ј60,000 from his previous 31 events this year, could save him from a fifth trip to the Tour qualifying school.

Not that he is aware of the exact position there.

Asked if he had studied the money list Manley shook his head and replied: "Best not to. I'd get depressed."

Leader by one overnight, he had been overtaken by the time he reached the turn in 36 on his return to the Oceanico Victoria course.

But then came a chip-in par on the 11th, a four-iron to six feet for an eagle at the 547-yard next and birdies at the 15th and 16th.

His change of fortunes follows a kick up the rear from coach Pete Cowen two weeks ago.

"It wasn't a rollicking, just a bit of a telling off. He said I should be spending four hours on my short game and one hour on the long game.

"I was spending more time perfecting my swing. You don't really need to do that - if you can perfect your short game you can save a lot more shots."

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie is hoping this will be the weekend when he returns to winning ways.

Less than three months away from his 40th birthday Lawrie, whose last success was the 2002 Wales Open, had a seven-birdie 65 to move to nine under and joint third with Swede Magnus Carlsson.

"I've been playing good golf for a while, but holed a few putts today," said the Scot. "It's disappointing obviously to be 96th on the Order of Merit - I'm a better player than that - but you never realise how hard the game is until you struggle with the putter."

Order of Merit leader Robert Karlsson could yet record his third successive victory, a 67 lifting him from 17th to joint fifth on eight under.

Lee Westwood, third in the standings, matched that round to stay three behind the Swede, but after running up a seven at the 17th in his opening 72 he went in the lake there again on his return and took six.

"The marvellous 17th", he said. "That was the most disappointing thing of the day. I was six under and should have been nine or 10 under."

Darren Clarke, paired with Montgomerie, climbed to five under, but then double-bogeyed the last for a 69.

The day's action also included an amazing incident on the seventh hole when a 69-year-old marshal fell into the lake and, able to swim only a few strokes, needed rescuing.

Graham Fitch, a former captain of the High Post club in Salisbury, said: "It was not funny at the time. I was frightened - it's no good saying I wasn't.

"I was up to my neck and I can swim only a few yards, so I cried out for help.

"At first someone came with an umbrella to try to pull me back to dry land, but I couldn't reach it and every time I tried to put a foot down I went further in.

"But another marshal was brilliant then. He came in and pushed me so I could reach the rocks and clamber out.

"I'd been watching drives and had taken a few backward steps when suddenly I did the splits and went down into the water like going down a children's slide."

Jean Van de Velde - famous, of course, for his water exploits in the 1999 Open at Carnoustie - was playing the hole at the time.


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WILSON FORCED OUT IN PORTUGAL
SUCCESSIVE WINS FOR KARLSSON
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KUCHAR AND TURNESA ON TOP

Matt Kuchar carded a second successive round of 63 to move into a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Friday.

Kuchar sank nine birdies in his bogey-free effort to join Marc Turnesa at the top of the leaderboard on 18 under par. Zach Johnson, who held the overnight alongside Turnesa, is third a shot back.

Limiting himself to one bogey in 36 holes, the 30-year-old Kuchar has bounced back from a poor run that has seen him fail to make the cut in seven consecutive tournaments as he attempts to add to his lone PGA title at the Honda Classic in 2002.

Turnesa, who finished strongly to catch Johnson at the end of the opening day, carded an eight-under 64.

He suffered a late setback with a double bogey at the 17th but negated the damage with an eagle at the 18th.

Johnson, meanwhile, bogeyed his opening hole but fought back to sign for a seven-under 65 and 17-under overall.

John Mallinger is two shots off the lead shot following a second consecutive 64, while Ken Duke (66) and Pat Perez (63) are tied for fifth at 15-under.

Defending champion George McNeill is in a tie for 21st on 10-under following two rounds of 67.

Kuchar was naturally pleased with his effort.

"It was fun out there," he said.

"I think no bogeys, that's always a nice thing to not have on your card. The game is good.

"Conditions were just about identical. I mean, just perfect weather, very slight hint of a wind. I think the greens this morning were a little easier to putt than yesterday afternoon.

"The last few weeks I've missed a couple cuts but really have been making some adjustments and working with my instructor, Chris O'Connell, and things have been going well. Things are starting to pay off."

Rookie Turnesa looked to have fallen off the pace when he found the water on the 17th but then holed an approach from 159 yards for an eagle on the 18th.

"What can I say really?" he said.

"I hit a bad shot on 17 and made double and then on 18 hit a good shot and got a little lucky as well and it went in the hole."

Johnson, meanwhile, was disappointed with a slow start to his second round.

"My first three holes I gave at least two shots away, probably three or four even, which was frustrating," he said.

"But I got it turned around and hit some good shots the remainder of the front nine and made some birdies on the back that hopefully will give me only momentum going into the weekend."

Collated second round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 72):

126 Marc Turnesa 62 64, Matt Kuchar 63 63

127 Zach Johnson 62 65

128 John Mallinger 64 64

129 Pat Perez 66 63, Ken Duke 63 66

130 Chris Stroud 65 65, Ryan Moore 66 64, Chez Reavie 64 66

131 Nick Watney 63 68, Rich Beem 66 65

132 Brad Adamonis 67 65, Dean Wilson 69 63, Chad Campbell 65 67, Michael Allen 63 69, Fred Couples 68 64

133 Brian Davis (Eng) 65 68, Chris DiMarco 69 64, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 67 66, Nicholas Thompson 68 65

134 Charley Hoffman 67 67, Robert Garrigus 65 69, Mark Hensby (Aus) 69 65, Woody Austin 67 67, Charles Howell III 67 67, Kevin Na 64 70, Hunter Mahan 65 69, George McNeill 67 67, Bob Estes 66 68, Daniel Chopra (Swe) 69 65, Scott Sterling 69 65, John Huston 71 63, John Riegger 66 68, Frank Lickliter II 65 69, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 69 65

135 Davis Love III 68 67, Todd Demsey 67 68, Mark Wilson 70 65, Peter Lonard (Aus) 66 69, Charlie Wi (Kor) 69 66, Steve Marino 71 64, Joe Durant 65 70, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 68 67, Brett Quigley 68 67, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 68

136 Richard Johnson (Wal) 69 67, John Merrick 67 69, Kevin Sutherland 69 67, Kenneth Ferrie (Eng) 66 70, Tom Pernice Jnr. 68 68, Parker McLachlin 67 69, James Driscoll 71 65, Chad Collins 66 70, Bill Haas 68 68, Bo Van Pelt 67 69

137 Charles Warren 65 72, Patrick Sheehan 68 69, Tim Herron 72 65, Eric Axley 68 69, David Duval 69 68, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 72 65, Matthew Jones (Aus) 66 71, Jason Day (Aus) 70 67, Kevin Streelman 68 69, Will MacKenzie 65 72, Mike Weir (Can) 69 68

138 Vaughn Taylor 69 69, Jeff Overton 69 69, Mathias Gronberg (Swe) 69 69, Y. E Yang (Kor) 67 71, Ben Crane 69 69, Mike Ruiz 67 71, Jason Gore 68 70, Kent Jones 69 69, Tom Scherrer 69 69, Casey Bourque 70 68, Jason Allred 69 69, Omar Uresti 68 70, Steve Flesch 70 68, Joe Ogilvie 66 72, Steve Lowery 68 70, Nick Flanagan (Aus) 64 74, Jeff Maggert 70 68

Missed cut:

139 Paul Claxton 69 70, John Daly 73 66, Brett Rumford (Aus) 72 67, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 69 70, Brian Gay 70 69, Tag Ridings 70 69, Jay Williamson 71 68, Kevin Stadler 70 69

140 John Rollins 69 71, Justin Bolli 72 68, Paul Azinger 69 71

141 Kyle Thompson 68 73, Tim Petrovic 74 67, Jim McGovern 72 69, Jeff Quinney 69 72, Jimmy Walker 71 70, Carlos Franco (Par) 71 70

142 Michael Letzig 73 69, Chris Riley 70 72, Troy Matteson 70 72, Brenden Pappas (Rsa) 71 71, Stephen Ames (Can) 72 70

143 Arron Oberholser 73 70, Scott McCarron 68 75, Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 69 74, J J Henry 73 70, Paul Goydos 72 71, Brad Elder 71 72, Shane Bertsch 69 74

144 Jerry Kelly 71 73, Jin Park (Kor) 74 70, Ben Fox 71 73, Cody Freeman 73 71, Todd Hamilton 73 71, Grant Waite (Nzl) 74 70, Cameron Beckman 72 72, Jon Mills (Can) 71 73

145 Billy Mayfair 75 70, Ryan Armour 73 72, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 71 74, Greg Kraft 73 72, Jonathan Byrd 73 72

146 Kirk Triplett 77 69

147 Bob Sowards 72 75

148 Nathan Green (Aus) 71 77

149 Steve Elkington (Aus) 75 74


JOHNSON WINS TEXAS OPEN
STROUD LEADS IN TEXAS
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CASEY: DON'T BLAME FALDO

Ryder Cup wildcard Paul Casey has stressed captain Nick Faldo was not to blame for Europe's comprehensive defeat in Valhalla last month.

Faldo was savaged in sections of the media for a number of decisions before and during the biennial event, including his wildcard selections, leaving Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia out of the Saturday foursomes and the risky strategy he employed for the 12 crucial singles matches on the Sunday in a bid to overcome a 9-7 deficit.

The latter saw in-form Ian Poulter's win over Steve Stricker, as well as the matches involving double major winner Padraig Harrington and Ryder Cup stalwart Westwood, rendered obsolete with Jim Furyk having already completed a 2&1 victory against Miguel Angel Jimenez to ensure the Americans tasted victory for the first time since 1999 by 16 1/2 points to 11 1/2.

Casey, however, has joined the list of players that have since leapt to Faldo's defence, insisting the 51-year-old Englishman did everything in his power to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive European success and that ultimately, he was on a hiding to nothing.

"It didn't matter who it was, if we didn't win, they were going to get it in the neck," he said.

"Nick's Nick. He tried his hardest, he poured his heart out into it and whether it was everybody's cup of tea, the way he approached things, that's their opinion.

"He cares about it, we care about it and it's the way it turned out. I feel sorry for him because I think he's taken a pretty hard rap."

Casey also revealed he had recently contacted Faldo to refute suggestions he had undermined his captaincy.

"I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago. There was a nice rumour going around that I was apparently unhappy with Nick and I was threatening to walk out of the Ryder Cup team," added the 31-year-old, who was in Hong Kong as part of a charity golf day for victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

"That was a rumour I had heard circling around various things and that is complete and utter rubbish. I actually called him and said 'have you heard this rumour'? He said, 'yeah, I've heard'. Nobody knew where it came from so I've spoken to him.

"It's malicious and it didn't get printed. I threatened legal action if that came out because that's just not true. I've had enough of that stuff."

The disappointment in Kentucky was all the more acute given Europe found themselves burdened with the favourites' tag against an American team shorn of the world's best golfer in Tiger Woods.

Casey, though, feels the quality of their opponents' performance was overshadowed by the aftermath of Europe's failed bid.

"Were we favourites? With or without Tiger it was completely irrelevant, they had 12 great golfers and I think they did almost everything right," he said.

"The guys were up for it, they had the crowd with them, they set the golf course up the way they wanted it set up.

"They knew the pin positions, they knew where to fire and hit shots and if you look at Sunday, it was amazing with some of those pin positions how you could bank it in off certain areas. They knew that and we got beaten.

"I don't think there's been enough credit given to the US for playing very, very good golf."

Casey, who picked up two half points in three matches, claimed that, as so often in top-level sport, success or failure at Valhalla was decided by the finest of margins.

"The putts we made at the K Club (in 2006) were outrageous - putts going in all over the place - and that's what they did to us this time," he concluded.

"In my match against Hunter Mahan, he hit his putt on 17 and I thought 'hello, I've got a chance of winning this match from being down', but it hits the back of the hole and goes in when it was probably going 15 feet by.

"He knew it, I knew it, we both had a laugh about it - as much as you could - down the 18th fairway. It could have been different, so that's the way the players feel about it. There's been a lot of criticism about what Faldo allegedly didn't do but it's done.

"We see it differently as players being in that team room - ultimately we've got to get the ball in the hole and make the putts and we didn't necessarily do that in Valhalla. But I loved the experience playing for Nick."


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CASEY HOPES FOR POULTER FAVOUR

RYDER CUP CAPTAINCY DEBATE DELAYED

The identity of Europe's next Ryder Cup captain will not be known until January 2009 - at the earliest.

It had been expected that the European Tour's tournament committee would discuss the contenders during their meeting at this week's Dunhill Links Championship, with a view to naming Nick Faldo's successor in January.

However, that meeting was taken up by the debate over the minimum number of tournaments required to be a member of the European Tour - subsequently increased from 11 to 12 - and the captaincy was not on the agenda.

"It wasn't even brought up," committee member Barry Lane said. "But I'm sure it will be top of the agenda at the next meeting in Abu Dhabi in January."

Committee chairman Thomas Bjorn had earlier stated: "I don't want to go into a meeting where people haven't thought about it.

"It's now such a big thing that we have to have the feeling of the players in general as well as the guys on the committee.

"Because it's such a big thing, we may decide to do it later than January just to make sure that we make what we think is the right decision."

That would appear to increase the chances of Jose Maria Olazabal becoming captain at Celtic Manor in 2010. Olazabal was Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla and impressed the players with his passion - Padraig Harrington revealing he had the players in tears with a speech in the team room on Saturday evening.

Immediately after the defeat in Kentucky, Olazabal said he wanted to get back to full fitness and try to play in two years' time, adding: "If they wanted a decision by the end of this year, I'm not going to be able to give them that.

"The scenario is that my condition is improving and I'm feeling better. I'm not 100% pain-free but I'm hoping that I might be able to play one or two events at the end of the year to see how the back holds up.

"I'm looking next year to be back playing golf and that's why I cannot give an answer that soon."

Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam are the other leading contenders, with Woosnam unsurprisingly a popular choice to captain the side on home soil, four years after leading the team to a record-equalling victory at the K Club.


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WILSON FORCED OUT IN PORTUGAL

Three weeks after he pulled out of the British Masters with mental exhaustion Ryder Cup debutant Oliver Wilson lasted only eight holes in sunny Portugal.

While Swede Robert Karlsson took another step towards the Order of Merit title with an opening three under par 69 - four behind Welshman Stuart Manley - Wilson's hopes of taking a huge leap towards a US Masters debut next April were dashed by a neck injury.

"I woke up with it," said the Mansfield golfer, who had won the eve-of-tournament pro-am. "I went to get out of bed and felt it go.

"I had some physio, took some pills, but when I went to the range to warm up I could only swing it about threequarters at best.

"Normally it loosens up reasonably quickly, but I couldn't reach a couple of holes and it was pointless really." He had already fallen to four over when he decided to call it a day.

Wilson wants to be in the world's top 50 at the end of the year to secure a first appearance at Augusta, but on Monday he slipped to 51st in the new rankings - 0.001 points behind American Brandt Snedeker.

Manley was a Walker Cup hero in 2003, but has had to make four trips to the Tour school since then and is labouring down in 174th on the money list with two events to go.

"I need some money," said the 29-year-old, who has missed the halfway cut in 20 of his 30 events and has to climb into the top 115 to avoid a return to qualifying.

"It's a good time to find form. I've been fantastic in practice, so it must be a mental issue somewhere.

"The greens were a bit bumpy (he was in the penultimate group of the day), but for some reason the putts went in."

With efforts from 30, 10 and 20 feet be birdied three of his last four to relegate England's Mark Foster, Indian Jyoti Randhawa and big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros into second place.

Karlsson, Ј112,000 ahead of Padraig Harrington at the top of the Order of Merit, has a chance to more than quadruple that lead with the Open and US PGA champion having chosen to go to Bermuda instead this week for the Grand Slam of Golf.

With no Harrington - he lost a play-off to Jim Furyk - the 39-year-old Swede was paired instead with Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez, third and fourth in the table, and they managed only 72 and 73 respectively.

"I played like a tired man that wants the year to end," stated Westwood, who described his decision to go for the green in two on the long 17th as "amateurish."

He found the lake, then three-putted for a double bogey seven. "It was not a good lie and I should have laid up," he said of the 246-yard shot.

The trio were followed by an official in a buggy for a while because they fell behind the group in front and Westwood added: "He could have given me a ride, my legs were that bad."

Karlsson, winner of his last two events and runner-up to Steve Webster in last year's Portugal Masters on the same Oceanico Victoria course, is not immune from fatigue himself.

"You definitely know you have flown all over the world for 10 months, but that was not too bad," said the 39-year-old, who made up for four bogeys with seven birdies.

Playing partners Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie had 10 birdies between them, but there were nine bogeys and in Clarke's case a double bogey as well. They finished on 72 and 73 respectively.

Collated first-round scores (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

65 Stuart Manley

66 Mark Foster, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind), Alvaro Quiros (Spa)

67 Sam Walker, Ross Fisher, Graeme McDowell, Martin Erlandsson (Swe), Soren Kjeldsen (Den), Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra), Andrew McLardy (Rsa)

68 Felipe Aguilar (Chi), Sion Bebb, Marc Warren, Marcel Siem (Ger), Barry Lane

69 Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa), James Kingston (Rsa), Phillip Price, Joao Carlota (Por), David Frost (Rsa), Graeme Storm, Magnus A Carlsson (Swe), Robert Karlsson (Swe), Rory McIlroy, Stephen Gallacher, Jamie Donaldson, Gary Murphy, Gregory Bourdy (Fra)

70 Henrik Nystrom (Swe), Nick Dougherty, David Lynn, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Johan Edfors (Swe), Paul Lawrie, Antonio Sobrinho (Por), Bradley Dredge

71 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned), Paul Waring, John Bickerton, Simon Dyson, Paul Broadhurst, Alexander Noren (Swe), Richard Green (Aus), Thomas Levet (Fra), Gregory Havret (Fra)

72 Francesco Molinari (Ita), Patrik Sjoland (Swe), Leif Westerberg (Swe), Robert Dinwiddie, Rafael Echenique (Arg), Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Peter Lawrie, Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Anthony Wall, Iain Pyman, Robert Rock, Sam Little, Steve Webster, Shiv Kapur (Ind), Darren Clarke, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Simon Khan, David Dixon, Phillip Archer, Lee Westwood

73 Alvaro Velasco (Spa), Soren Hansen (Den), Oliver Fisher, Peter Hanson (Swe), Lee Slattery, Thomas Bjorn (Den), Miles Tunnicliff, Edoardo Molinari (Ita), Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra), Christian Cevaer (Fra), Garry Houston, Chris Wood, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Colin Montgomerie, Angel Cabrera (Arg), Scott Drummond, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe)

74 Mikael Lundberg (Swe), Gary Orr, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Richard Finch, David Howell, Ricardo Santos (Por), Pelle Edberg (Swe), Maarten Lafeber (Ned), Peter O'Malley (Aus)

75 Martin Wiegele (Aut), Damien McGrane, David Griffiths, Benn Barham, Jean Van de Velde (Fra), Gary Wolstenholme, Jose-Filipe Lima (Por), Niclas Fasth (Swe), Michael Jonzon (Swe), Tom Whitehouse, Emanuele Canonica (Ita), Pablo Martin (Spa), Richard Sterne (Rsa)

76 Stephen Dodd, Peter Fowler (Aus), Mark Brown (USA), Manuel Violas (Por)

77 Tiago Cruz (Por), Francois Delamontagne (Fra), Markus Brier (Aut), Ignacio Garrido (Spa), Carlos Rodiles (Spa), Simon Wakefield

78 Daniel Vancsik (Arg), Federico Cabrera (Arg), Carl Suneson (Spa), Ariel Canete (Arg), Hugo Santos (Por), Jose Manuel Lara (Spa)

80 Ross McGowan

Withdrawn: Marcus Fraser

Retired: Michael Lorenzo-Vera, Oliver Wilson


OLAZABAL BACK IN THE SWING
NFL suspends Ravens’ Martin for season opener
3 Vikings fined as result of actions in Saints win

KIM CLAIMS MAIDEN LPGA TOUR WIN

In-Kyung Kim held on for her first LPGA Tour victory with a three-stroke triumph at the Longs Drugs Challenge on Sunday.

Playing in gusty conditions, Kim carded a one-over-par 73 to finish on 10-under 278, three strokes clear of Angela Stanford at Blackhawk Country Club.

Stanford closed with a 75 to finish on seven-under 281, while Yani Tseng (72) finished third on six under with Lorena Ochoa (72) another shot back.

Kim had three bogeys and 13 pars on her first 16 holes before she clinched the victory with two straight birdies to finish the round.

"Before I started, I just wanted to play, and I didn't want to change any plans, just hit the fairways and greens and give myself chances," Kim said.

"I had to get up-and-down from many holes, which I did. I think I did a good job with that."

On the 333-yard par-four 17th, Kim drove into a bunker 70 yards from the green and hit her second to eight feet for birdie.

On the 18th she fired a nine-iron from 144 yards to 25 feet and she drained that for a birdie to cap the triumph.

She added: "With three holes left I had a two shot lead. I only needed one birdie from two holes, so I just wanted to have one birdie and I made two."

Collated final round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 72):

278 In Kyung Kim (Kor) 67 69 69 73

281 Angela Stanford 70 69 67 75

282 Ya-Ni Tseng (Kor) 68 72 70 72

284 Lorena Ochoa (Mex) 70 68 74 72

285 Karen Stupples (Eng) 71 73 71 70, Silvia Cavalleri (Ita) 71 73 70 71, Kristy McPherson 70 70 71 74, Brittany Lang 72 72 69 72

286 Mikaela Parmlid (Swe) 67 74 75 70, Wendy Ward 68 76 71 71

287 Mollie Fankhauser 69 68 73 77

288 Julieta Granada (Par) 69 73 75 71

289 Irene Cho 71 72 72 74, Michele Redman 66 75 74 74, Meaghan Francella 68 74 74 73, Sarah Kemp (Aus) 68 73 71 77, Pat Hurst 70 72 74 73

290 Becky Lucidi 75 70 73 72

291 Paula Creamer 74 70 76 71, Charlotte Mayorkas 69 71 74 77, Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 68 72 79 72, Jeong Jang (Kor) 72 74 73 72

292 Wendy Doolan (Aus) 75 73 71 73, Teresa Lu (Tai) 75 70 69 78, Juli Inkster 70 77 71 74, Amy Hung (Tha) 74 74 73 71, Maria Hjorth (Swe) 66 80 72 74, Candie Kung (Tai) 73 74 74 71

293 Il Mi Chung (Kor) 72 69 77 75, Reilley Rankin 68 73 76 76, Sarah Lee 68 76 74 75

294 Stacy Prammanasudh 72 74 73 75, Eun Hee Ji (Kor) 72 76 74 72, Sandra Gal (Ger) 70 72 74 78, Shanshan Feng (Chn) 72 74 77 71, Meredith Duncan 73 70 76 75

295 Brittany Lincicome 79 70 73 73, Hee-Won Han (Kor) 72 75 69 79, Sophie Gustafson (Swe) 74 72 76 73

296 Sophie Giquel (Fra) 69 77 73 77, Laura Diaz 72 77 73 74, Stacy Lewis 71 74 73 78

297 Ai Miyazato (Jpn) 72 71 75 79, Na Yeon Choi (Kor) 71 74 74 78, Moira Dunn 73 73 74 77, Hee Young Park (Kor) 72 76 74 75

298 Jackie Gallagher-Smith 73 74 74 77, Gloria Park (Kor) 78 70 74 76, Morgan Pressel 74 74 75 75, Beth Bader 73 72 76 77, Su A Kim 74 73 71 80, Janice Moodie (Sco) 73 71 75 79

299 Laura Davies (Eng) 70 77 76 76, Jane Park 75 74 74 76, Kate Golden 69 75 73 82, Leta Lindley 74 73 77 75

300 Heather Young 73 74 76 77, Carolina Llano 70 76 80 74, Jennifer Rosales (Phi) 73 76 76 75, Nicole Castrale 70 76 77 77, Helen Alfredsson (Swe) 74 75 76 75

301 Candy Hannemann 73 76 75 77

302 Michelle McGann 71 78 75 78, Rachel Hetherington (Aus) 69 74 74 85

303 Giulia Sergas (Ita) 71 77 75 80, Seo-Jae Lee 75 70 80 78

304 Joo Mi Kim (Kor) 70 71 87 76, Linda Wessberg (Swe) 73 75 75 81, Nancy Scranton 71 76 76 81, Christina Kim 77 72 80 75, Aree Song (Kor) 76 72 78 78, Carri Wood 72 77 73 82, Carin Koch (Swe) 73 74 78 79, Allison Fouch 73 74 77 80

305 Becky Morgan (Wal) 70 73 83 79, Young Kim (Kor) 76 73 77 79, Mhairi McKay (Sco) 75 72 76 82

312 Violeta Retamoza (Mex) 72 76 79 85


Vikings name Frerotte starter for rest of season
SHIN AHEAD AT HALF MOON BAY

CLARKE TO TAKE ON AUSSIES

Darren Clarke will share top billing with a host of local stars at the 93rd Australian Open at Royal Sydney starting on December 11.

The Ulsterman will add an international flavour to the event while the Australian authorities have increased its Asian exemptions this year, allowing for the appearance Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa.

The 17-year-old made history on the Japan Tour when, aged just 15, he lifted the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup, eclipsing the previous record held by Seve Ballesteros, who was 20 when he won the Japan Open.

All the popular Australian golfers will be present at their home tournament, headed by world number 17 Adam Scott, 18th-ranked Geoff Ogilvy plus former champions Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Peter Lonard and defending champion Craig Parry.

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy finished second to John Senden two years ago and admitted he is hungry for success in his homeland.

"It's the one I want to win," he said. "This year I want to go one better and walk away with the title. The competition will be especially fierce between the Australians.

"It definitely becomes a thing if you don't get it (an Australian Open win) early because every year you come back you get asked this question and it makes you think about it even more.

"You play well all year and the golf junkies see it but not many of the public see it so you want to show them you can actually play.

"It's a bit like when you're a kid and you play golf with your old man; you try too hard when you play with your dad.

"When we come back here - we're here so little - we want to play well.

"That's an added element that makes it difficult."

Another past US Open champion, New Zealand's Michael Campbell, will also be in the line-up.


POULTER INCLUSION CAUSES CONTROVERSY
Texans’ owner expects Reliant to host Oct. 5 game

JOHNSON WINS TEXAS OPEN

Zach Johnson fired a six-under-par 64 in the final round to claim a two-stroke victory at the Texas Open.

Entering the day a shot off the pace, Johnson had seven birdies and a bogey to finish at 19-under 261, two strokes ahead of three players who tied for second.

Charlie Wi carded a bogey-free nine-under-61 to share second on 17-under 263 alongside Mark Wilson and Tim Wilkinson.

Johnson started with a birdie but it was cancelled out by a bogey at the second. He had three consecutive birdies starting at the sixth and he picked up another birdie at the 10th.

Johnson led by one after a birdie at the 14th and he came to the 18th tee needing just a par to clinch his first win since the 2007 AT&T Classic. He did one better, clinching the win with a birdie.

Defending champion Justin Leonard came up short in his bid for a fourth title here. He fired a 66 yesterday to finish at 11-under 269

Some time off and a return to basics were key to the success, according to Johnson.

"I made the commitment, I had six weeks off or seven, whatever it was, since New Jersey," said the 2007 Masters champion. "Much of that was forced off and some of it was choice.

"I made the commitment to go back to what I used to do, the way I'm supposed to do it and ball-striking and putting, and I didn't anticipate hitting me this quick but, you know, it certainly helped.

"Given that, I still see a lot of room for improvement which I guess is even more encouraging than anything else."

Entering the week, Johnson had just one top-10 finish this season. He had not played since missing the cut at The Barclays to start the FedEx Cup play-offs, making his performance this week a bit unexpected.

"I had two things in my mind this week as far as going into the week and one was no expectations," Johnson said. "So, no, I did not expect to be here but I guess that's a good thing.

"The second was just to - you know, I made some commitments to my fundamentals, to my golf swing and starting to pay-off. So it's very encouraging."

Collated final round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 70):

261 Zach Johnson 69 66 62 64

263 Charlie Wi (Kor) 67 68 67 61, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 67 69 63 64, Mark Wilson 68 66 66 63

265 Jeff Overton 69 64 67 65

267 Chris Stroud 66 64 69 68, Stephen Ames (Can) 68 71 66 62

268 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 67 66 63 72, Pat Perez 71 64 68 65, Tim Herron 65 67 67 69

269 Justin Leonard 70 69 64 66, Tim Petrovic 67 65 68 69, Greg Kraft 65 71 65 68, Harrison Frazar 69 69 65 66

270 Dustin Johnson 67 69 68 66, Jeff Maggert 73 65 64 68, Shane Bertsch 69 69 66 66, Bob Tway 66 72 64 68

271 Chris DiMarco 68 69 70 64, Steve Allan (Aus) 66 70 71 64, Kevin Streelman 70 63 69 69, Bob Sowards 68 70 70 63, Joe Durant 68 67 72 64, Paul Goydos 66 66 73 66, Chad Collins 65 73 65 68, Jimmy Walker 67 66 69 69, Jason Gore 65 74 66 66

272 Michael Thompson 68 65 67 72, Steve Elkington (Aus) 68 70 73 61

273 Nathan Green (Aus) 62 75 70 66, Joe Ogilvie 66 67 67 73, Brian Gay 68 67 69 69, Tag Ridings 66 70 69 68, Mark Hensby (Aus) 68 66 67 72, Troy Matteson 68 70 66 69

274 Jason Allred 68 66 74 66, David Toms 68 66 70 70, Nick O'Hern (Aus) 65 72 70 67, Charles Howell III 68 67 68 71, Chez Reavie 67 67 69 71, Chad Campbell 71 65 68 70, Jhonnathan Vegas 69 67 69 69, Scott Verplank 68 66 70 70

275 Patrick Sheehan 65 71 70 69, Michael Bradley 66 70 67 72, Todd Demsey 66 70 69 70, Dean Wilson 71 67 69 68, Bob Estes 68 68 69 70, Bo Van Pelt 68 70 67 70, Carlos Franco (Par) 69 70 67 69, Craig Kanada 69 65 70 71, John Riegger 68 69 67 71

276 Nick Watney 67 71 69 69, Steve Marino 68 69 69 70, Douglas Labelle 69 69 68 70

277 Kevin Stadler 67 66 69 75, Olin Browne 64 69 74 70

278 Paul Claxton 64 70 72 72, Robert Gamez 70 68 73 67, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 70 67 70 71, J J Henry 70 68 70 70, Vaughn Taylor 70 68 67 73, Sean O'Hair 72 66 70 70

279 Brad Elder 68 69 73 69, Jim McGovern 67 70 66 76, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 66 73 70 70, Tom Pernice Jnr. 70 69 68 72, Matthew Jones (Aus) 69 64 73 73

280 Scott Sterling 69 70 72 69

281 Charley Hoffman 68 69 71 73, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 71 71 72

282 Frank Lickliter II 69 66 70 77

283 J.L. Lewis 68 69 68 78, Nicholas Thompson 72 67 72 72

285 Kyle Thompson 66 69 71 79


CURTIS CLAIMS WESTWOOD SCALP
Lions come to terms with ex-Bengal RB Johnson
Johnson legally changes last name to Ocho Cinco

STROUD LEADS IN TEXAS

Chris Stroud moved to the top of the leaderboard at the Texas Open on day two, shooting a six-under-par 64 for a two-stroke lead at the halfway mark.

Stroud began the second round in a tie for 10th on four under after an opening 66 at the Resort Course at La Cantera Golf Club and continued his good form with seven birdies and a lone bogey to improve to 10 under.

Stroud birdied the first hole and bogeyed the second but was nearly flawless from then on, picking up three more birdies before the turn and making another three on the back nine to move two clear of Paul Goydos, Tim Petrovic and Tim Herron.

Goydos shot a four-under 66 for the second straight day, Petrovic turned in a five-under 65 and Herron delivered a 67 as the trio reached the midway point at eight under.

Kevin Streelman enjoyed the best round of the day, firing a seven-under 63 to move into a tie for fourth with a group of nine players including Australia's Matt Jones (64) and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini (66).

Nathan Green of Australia, who held the opening-round lead after an impressive eight-under 62 dropped into a tie for 41st after a disappointing 75 while defending champion Justin Leonard barely made the cut after carding a 69 to reach one under.

Collated second round scores & totals in the USPGA Tour Valero Texas Open, LaCantera GC, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America

(USA unless stated, par 70):

130 Chris Stroud 66 64

132 Tim Herron 65 67, Paul Goydos 66 66, Tim Petrovic 67 65

133 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 67 66, Michael Thompson 68 65, Jeff Overton 69 64, Joe Ogilvie 66 67, Jimmy Walker 67 66, Kevin Stadler 67 66, Olin Browne 64 69, Kevin Streelman 70 63, Matthew Jones (Aus) 69 64

134 Jason Allred 68 66, Mark Hensby (Aus) 68 66, David Toms 68 66, Mark Wilson 68 66, Chez Reavie 67 67, Paul Claxton 64 70, Craig Kanada 69 65, Scott Verplank 68 66

135 Charlie Wi (Kor) 67 68, Joe Durant 68 67, Pat Perez 71 64, Zach Johnson 69 66, Brian Gay 68 67, Kyle Thompson 66 69, Frank Lickliter II 69 66, Charles Howell III 68 67

136 Patrick Sheehan 65 71, Tag Ridings 66 70, Michael Bradley 66 70, Todd Demsey 66 70, Greg Kraft 65 71, Steve Allan (Aus) 66 70, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 67 69, Dustin Johnson 67 69, Bob Estes 68 68, Chad Campbell 71 65, Jhonnathan Vegas 69 67

137 Charley Hoffman 68 69, Brad Elder 68 69, Chris DiMarco 68 69, Nick O'Hern (Aus) 65 72, J.L. Lewis 68 69, Steve Marino 68 69, Nathan Green (Aus) 62 75, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 70 67, Jim McGovern 67 70, John Riegger 68 69

138 Nick Watney 67 71, Vaughn Taylor 70 68, Harrison Frazar 69 69, Dean Wilson 71 67, Sean O'Hair 72 66, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 71, Bo Van Pelt 68 70, Shane Bertsch 69 69, Douglas Labelle 69 69, Robert Gamez 70 68, Steve Elkington (Aus) 68 70, Bob Tway 66 72, Bob Sowards 68 70, Jeff Maggert 73 65, J J Henry 70 68, Chad Collins 65 73, Troy Matteson 68 70

139 Justin Leonard 70 69, Scott Sterling 69 70, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 66 73, Carlos Franco (Par) 69 70, Tom Pernice Jnr. 70 69, Jason Gore 65 74, Stephen Ames (Can) 68 71, Nicholas Thompson 72 67

Missed the cut:

140 Brandt Jobe 70 70, David Ogrin 69 71, J.P. Hayes 72 68, Mathias Gronberg (Swe) 70 70, Ronald Whittaker 71 69, Ben Crane 69 71, Ryan Palmer 72 68, Bob Heintz 70 70, Richard Johnson (Wal) 71 69, Tom Scherrer 72 68, Jason Dufner 71 69, Lee Janzen 72 68, Gavin Coles (Aus) 68 72, Nick Flanagan (Aus) 68 72, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 67 73, Cameron Beckman 74 66, Ryan Armour 70 70, Tommy Gainey 68 72

141 John Senden (Aus) 73 68, Jeff Gove 70 71, Rich Beem 72 69, Ted Purdy 72 69, Parker McLachlin 73 68, Brenden Pappas (Rsa) 70 71, Heath Slocum 72 69

142 Jerry Kelly 71 71, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 72, Bruce Smith 73 69, Omar Uresti 70 72, Davis Love III 69 73, Jay Williamson 72 70, Kenneth Ferrie (Eng) 73 69

143 Marc Turnesa 70 73, Jon Mills (Can) 71 72, Peter Lonard (Aus) 70 73, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 73 70

144 Travis Perkins (Sco) 74 70, Cody Freeman 71 73, Kevin Chappell 73 71

145 Brett Rumford (Aus) 70 75, Kent Jones 71 74, Matt Kuchar 74 71, David Duval 71 74, Jason Day (Aus) 77 68, Jin Park (Kor) 73 72

146 Brad Adamonis 75 71, Phil Tataurangi (Nzl) 73 73, Eric Axley 75 71, Tommy Armour III 71 75

147 Y. E Yang (Kor) 73 74, Billy Andrade 78 69, David Lutterus (Rsa) 77 70

148 Andrew Buckle (Aus) 69 79

150 Lonny Alexander 73 77


Lions come to terms with ex-Bengal RB Johnson
SABBATANI CLEAR IN TEXAS

PAIR TIE FOR LEAD IN MADRID

Charl Schwartzel fired a flawless seven-under-par 64 to take a share of the lead at the Madrid Masters, but revealed afterwards he was struggling with injury and illness and had considered withdrawing.

The South African was tied on nine under with Australian Marcus Fraser, who carded a five-under-par 66, at the end of day two, giving the pair a two-shot lead over Swede Steven Jeppesen and Englishman Robert Rock, who posted 67 and 65 respectively.

Five players are three shots back on six under, including Spaniard Santiago Luna (68) and Italian Paolo Terreni (65), who has made only one cut in 19 previous attempts on the European Tour.

The major news from Madrid however, was on the other side of the city in La Paz hospital where it is reported doctors have discovered Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros is gravely ill.

The five-time major winner fainted on Monday and has remained in intensive care while tests have been carried out. On his website he claimed to be feeling fine and thanked well-wishers for their support, but a statement confirming a serious illness is expected at the weekend.

Back on the course though, Schwartzel, out early off the 10th tee, had a run of three birdies from the 13th and then increased the pressure on the way back in with an eagle and two more birdies.

He briefly led at one point, capitalising on a slip-up from Fraser, who had a three-hole run of bogeys following a strong start but recovered by picking up five shots on the back nine.

However, afterwards Schwartzel said he was glad to have completed his round, let alone be a co-leader.

"It's funny because I was going to withdraw this morning but I spoke to my dad and he told me to tee off and see how I feel,'' he said.

"'I've had a sore shoulder the last couple of days and I've been sick for a while. I'm taking antibiotics and I don't feel that strong.

"I really didn't feel good this morning but I got a couple of birdies early on and felt a bit better. Then the sun came out and my shoulder warmed up and improved a lot.''

He added: "It was a really solid round. I played well and felt very comfortable.

"My swing's been feeling good for a while now and this golf course suits my game. I hit a lot of good shots today.''

Fraser, the 2003 Russian Open champion, set the pace early on with a glut of birdies, one of which came from a chip-in at the third.

Afterwards he said his in-form short game was a valuable asset on the Club de Campo course.

"I like the course,'' he said. ''It's a bit shorter than other weeks, not so much of a slog-fest, which suits me well because it tests your short game.

"I feel like I'm playing quite well overall.''

Englishman Paul Broadhurst, who was a joint leader overnight, had a 72 to slip back to three under overall, but moving in the other direction was Andrew Tampion, whose 63 was the round of the day and propelled him to four under.

Miguel Angel Jimenez carded a level-par 71 to lie two under, a score shared by Spanish compatriot Angel Cabrera after his 69.

Jose Maria Olazabal, who sparkled in his first competitive round for three months on Thursday, found it tougher going and a 72 left him level par.


Eagles’ Jackson will learn from ‘rookie’ mistakes
SCHWARTZEL HOLDS ONTO MADRID LEAD

SABBATANI CLEAR IN TEXAS

Rory Sabbatini fired a seven-under-par 63 to move to the top of the leaderboard after the third round of the Texas Open.

The South African had an eagle, six birdies and one bogey to reach the 54-hole mark at La Cantera Golf Club's Resort Course on 14-under 196, one shot ahead of Zach Johnson, who jumped into contention after signing for a flawless round of eight-under 62.

Tim Wilkinson, Tim Herron and Chris Stroud are three strokes back on 11-under 199. Wilkinson carded eight birdies for a 63, Herron fired a 67 and Stroud, who held a two-stroke overnight lead, shot 69.

Sabbatini began his day with a birdie and made the turn at one under before picking up six strokes coming in.

He eagled the par-four 11th and added three consecutive birdies starting from the 13th before making yet another birdie at the 18th to take the outright lead.

Johnson began the day in a tie for 22nd but the 2007 Masters champion birdied his first two holes, added three more on the front nine and another three on the back nine to take the clubhouse lead.

Defending champion Justin Leonard barely made the cut but made a move up the leaderboard in the third round with a 64 to improve to seven-under 203.

Collated third round scores

(USA unless stated, par 70):

196 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 67 66 63

197 Zach Johnson 69 66 62

199 Chris Stroud 66 64 69, Tim Herron 65 67 67, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 67 69 63

200 Michael Thompson 68 65 67, Jeff Overton 69 64 67, Tim Petrovic 67 65 68, Joe Ogilvie 66 67 67, Mark Wilson 68 66 66

201 Mark Hensby (Aus) 68 66 67, Greg Kraft 65 71 65

202 Charlie Wi (Kor) 67 68 67, Jeff Maggert 73 65 64, Jimmy Walker 67 66 69, Kevin Stadler 67 66 69, Kevin Streelman 70 63 69, Bob Tway 66 72 64

203 Pat Perez 71 64 68, Michael Bradley 66 70 67, Harrison Frazar 69 69 65, Chez Reavie 67 67 69, Charles Howell III 68 67 68, Justin Leonard 70 69 64, Chad Collins 65 73 65, Jim McGovern 67 70 66

204 Brian Gay 68 67 69, David Toms 68 66 70, Dustin Johnson 67 69 68, Chad Campbell 71 65 68, John Riegger 68 69 67, Craig Kanada 69 65 70, Troy Matteson 68 70 66, Shane Bertsch 69 69 66, Scott Verplank 68 66 70

205 Vaughn Taylor 70 68 67, Tag Ridings 66 70 69, Todd Demsey 66 70 69, J.L. Lewis 68 69 68, Bob Estes 68 68 69, Paul Goydos 66 66 73, Bo Van Pelt 68 70 67, Jhonnathan Vegas 69 67 69, Frank Lickliter II 69 66 70, Jason Gore 65 74 66, Stephen Ames (Can) 68 71 66

206 Paul Claxton 64 70 72, Patrick Sheehan 65 71 70, Steve Marino 68 69 69, Kyle Thompson 66 69 71, Carlos Franco (Par) 69 70 67, Douglas Labelle 69 69 68, Matthew Jones (Aus) 69 64 73

207 Nick Watney 67 71 69, Chris DiMarco 68 69 70, Steve Allan (Aus) 66 70 71, Nick O'Hern (Aus) 65 72 70, Tom Pernice Jnr. 70 69 68, Dean Wilson 71 67 69, Joe Durant 68 67 72, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 70 67 70, Nathan Green (Aus) 62 75 70, Olin Browne 64 69 74

208 Bob Sowards 68 70 70, Charley Hoffman 68 69 71, J J Henry 70 68 70, Jason Allred 68 66 74, Sean O'Hair 72 66 70

209 Martin Laird (Sco) 67 71 71, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 66 73 70

210 Brad Elder 68 69 73

211 Robert Gamez 70 68 73, Scott Sterling 69 70 72, Steve Elkington (Aus) 68 70 73, Nicholas Thompson 72 67 72


WOOD TAKES ROUTE 66 TO THE TOP
Bengals’ Johnson lands on shoulder, leaves game
STRICKER STREAKS AHEAD

CURTIS SET FOR CUP DEBUT

Ben Curtis, Open champion in 2003 and joint second behind Padraig Harrington at the US PGA in August, will make his World Cup debut for the United States in China next month.

Curtis, who as a member of the victorious Ryder Cup side last month beat Lee Westwood in the singles, will be partnered by world number 50 Brandt Snedeker.

Through Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum, America were World Cup runners-up last year - losing a play-off to Scots Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren.

Montgomerie is back to defend the title but has Alastair Forsyth as his partner this time - while England are represented by Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher, Ireland by Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley and Wales by Bradley Dredge and Richard Johnson.


Eagles’ Westbrook runs full practice, appears likely
CURTIS CLAIMS WESTWOOD SCALP
Westbrook among three Eagles starters ruled out

SCHWARTZEL HOLDS ONTO MADRID LEAD

Charl Schwartzel held off the strong challenge of Ricardo Gonzalez to post a five-under-par 66 and take a one-shot lead into the final day at the Madrid Masters.

The South African streaked ahead early on - leaving Marcus Fraser, with whom he shared an overnight lead, and Robert Rock in his wake.

But five groups ahead, Gonzalez burst into life on the back nine - firing six birdies and an eagle for a nine-under-par 62 which took him to 13 under for the tournament.

He could have been the outright leader, but Schwartzel fended him off by holing a tricky putt for par on the 17th before sinking a 10-footer for birdie at the last to snatch a one-shot advantage on 14 under.

Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal equalled Gonzalez's score, racking up six birdies on the back nine to move to third place on 11 under. Three players - Englishman Paul Waring, Andrew Tampion and Carlos Del Moral - are 10 under.

Schwartzel, 24, said he considered pulling out Friday morning because of illness and a sore shoulder - and despite still not feeling 100%, he raced ahead with birdies at four, five and eight and an eagle at seven.

He wavered slightly around the turn, dropping shots at nine and 12, but birdied the par-five 14th and par-four 18th to steal a march on Gonzalez.

"I didn't feel very strong this morning but I felt I ground it out nicely today," said Schwartzel, who carded 69 and 64 in his first two rounds.

"I felt very weak and slept very badly last night but I felt better and better as the day progressed.

"Thankfully my shoulder is fine now after the physio treated it last night, but I still felt ill and got some medication from the doctor."

Asked if he may feel under pressure tomorrow, knowing Gonzalez had shot such a low score, Schwartzel replied: "Sixty-two is a great score, and tomorrow we'll have a good battle.

"I will try to do the same as the last three days and stick to my game plan. I'm hitting the ball well and I'm confident in my swing.

"I've got a good chance tomorrow."

Gonzalez, 38, was still struggling to take in his whirlwind back nine which put him in strong contention.

"I was one under after nine and thought to myself 'I need a few more birdies' - but to shoot nine under is unbelievable," he said.

"The key, I think, was my drive on 10. From there, I felt more confident. My putting was also very good on the last seven or eight holes.

"Spain is like a second home, and I feel very good here. I'll feel a little bit of pressure tomorrow but I'll try to make a good score again and play well.

"I will just play golf and enjoy it - that's the only thing I can do."

Waring is also a strong contender after a second four-under-par 67 followed a first-round 69, but joint overnight leader Fraser found it tougher going and could only manage a three-over 74 to leave him six under.

Miguel Angel Jimenez's chances of clinching the title which would take him to third in the European Tour Order of Merit look all but over - after a one-over 72 which meant he was 13 shots adrift of the lead, heading into the final day.


TAYLOR TAKES FIRST-ROUND LEAD
Favre wants to play some in Jets’ preseason finale
Packers QB Rodgers may have separated shoulder

KARLSSON LANDS MONTHLY AWARD

Ryder Cup star Robert Karlsson has won September's European Tour Golfer of the Month award after his superb victory in the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne.

The 39-year-old Swedish player claimed his eighth European Tour title after withstanding a strong final-day challenge from Italy's Francesco Molinari.

"Obviously I am delighted. It is great to be acknowledged for all the hard work you put in over a season and this award recognises what was a wonderful win for me in the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne," said Karlsson.

Also commended were Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, for his third-place finishes in the Omega European Masters and the Mercedes-Benz Championship, and England's Ian Poulter who finished the Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club as top points scorer in the event with four points out of five matches.


Police: Jags’ Taylor yelled at officers during search
Bengals’ Johnson lands on shoulder, leaves game
SUCCESSIVE WINS FOR KARLSSON

OLAZABAL BACK IN THE SWING

It may have been three months since Jose Maria Olazabal played a competitive round of golf, but he showed no signs of losing his touch as an opening-round one-under-par 70 at the Madrid Masters left him three shots off the lead.

The 42-year-old has been out of the game because of injury and fatigue since narrowly failing to qualify for the Open in June, but this comeback - his third during an injury-hit career - is on track.

Englishman Paul Broadhurst, Swede Magnus Carlsson and Australian Marcus Fraser are the leaders, having all shot 67s, and are hotly pursued by a cluster of five players, including French Open winner Pablo Larrazabal, who are one shot back on three under.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, who would move to third in the European Tour Order of Merit if he wins here, is one of 15 players two shots behind on two under.

Olazabal sent expectations soaring when he birdied his first hole - the 10th - and he was two under at the turn as birdies at 16 and 17 made up for a dropped shot on the 14th.

He picked up another birdie on the way back in, and even two more bogeys failed to take the gloss off an impressive score.

The two-time Masters champion said: "It has been a very positive day and my score is better than I expected.

"I made some mistakes - I three-putted on two greens - but other parts have been very good.

"I started the 10th hole, my first, with a birdie and I thought to myself 'This is good'.

"Who would believe that after so much time out of competition I make a birdie to start?

"Being back on the golf course has been weird. It's been a long while since I was in a competition and I have lost my rhythm.

"But I will do my best. It's not a 100-metre sprint but four long days on a very demanding golf course. It might seem easy but you have to play very well."

Joint leader Broadhurst is no stranger to enforced absences either, having been sidelined by a serious hand injury in 2000, and despite admitting his four-under-par 67 was not pretty at times, he was happy overall.

The 43-year-old said: "I just stuck in there really and had to make a couple of miracle shots to keep it ticking over.

"I had a couple of very poor tee shots on five and six but came back with another couple of birdies at the end and it's nice to finish four under.

"It doesn't get any easier even if you've been on the Tour for years and I'll be out practising this afternoon."

Carlsson, out early this morning, matched Broadhurst's efforts and is delighted to be seeing several weeks' hard work bear fruit.

"The last few weeks I've been working a lot on my game and have started believing in myself," he said.

"I had a good start in January but then missed a lot of cuts.

"I lost a play-off in Johannesburg and I made the mistake of thinking it was going to be easy. So I'm very happy with this score today."

Collated first round scores in the European Tour Madrid Masters, Club de Campo, Madrid, Spain

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71):

67 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe), Marcus Fraser (Aus), Paul Broadhurst

68 Steve Webster, Steven Jeppesen (Swe), Santiago Luna (Spa), James Kamte (Rsa), Pablo Larrazabal (Spa)

69 Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra), Francis Valera (Spa), Damien McGrane, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Shiv Kapur (Ind), Sion Bebb, Peter Baker, Paul Waring, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg), Jose Manuel Lara (Spa), Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Gareth Paddison (Nzl), Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa), Ariel Canete (Arg), Carlos Del moral (Spa)

70 Joakim Backstrom (Swe), Patrik Sjoland (Swe), Francois Delamontagne (Fra), Julio Zapata (Arg), Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa), Robert Rock, Gary Murphy, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra), Ignacio Garrido (Spa), Peter O'Malley (Aus)

71 Alvaro Velasco (Spa), David Griffiths, Carlos Balmaseda (Spa), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Pedro Linhart (Spa), Joel Sjoholm (Swe), Marc Warren, Eduardo De La Riva (Spa), Hernan Rey (Arg), Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa), Sam Little, Garry Houston, Paolo Terreni (Ita), Kyron Sullivan, Stuart Manley, Angel Cabrera (Arg), Gabriel Canizares (Spa), Sam Walker, Miguel Angel Martin (Spa), Stephen Gallacher, Tom Whitehouse, Phillip Archer, Benoit Teilleria (Fra), Emanuele Canonica (Ita)

72 Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa), Mattias Eliasson (Swe), Jean Van de Velde (Fra), Rafael Echenique (Arg), Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (Spa), Pelle Edberg (Swe), David Lynn, Simon Wakefield, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Alvaro Salto (Spa), Paul Lawrie, Matthew Millar (Aus), Fabrizio Zanotti (Par), Peter Fowler (Aus), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe), Richard Sterne (Rsa)

73 Juan Abbate (Arg), Steve Alker (Nzl), Henrik Nystrom (Swe), Peter Whiteford, Benn Barham, Robert Dinwiddie, Andrew McLardy (Rsa), Anthony Wall, Lee Slattery, Lee S James, Pablo Martin (Spa), Bradley Dredge

74 Juan Parron (Spa), Moises Cobos (Spa), Alvaro Quiros (Spa), Jose-Filipe Lima (Por), Tiago Cruz (Por), Carl Suneson (Spa), Andre Bossert (Swi), Marco Ruiz (Par), Alessandro Tadini (Ita), Miles Tunnicliff, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa)

75 Miguel Rodriguez (Arg), Craig Lee, Thomas Aiken (Rsa), Andrew Tampion (Aus), Angel Matallana (Spa), Leif Westerberg (Swe), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Iain Pyman, Alessio Bruschi (Ita), Edoardo Molinari (Ita), Manuel Quiros (Spa)

76 Martin Wiegele (Aut), David Drysdale, Jan Are Larsen (Nor), Luis Claverie (Spa), Terry Pilkadaris (Aus)

77 Simon Robinson, Ivo Giner (Spa), Julien Clement (Swi), Carlos Rodiles (Spa)

79 Sven Struver (Ger), Jamie Gabarda (Spa)

81 Federico Cabrera (Arg)

83 Vicente Blazquez (Spa)


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MITCHELL CLAIMS SCOTTISH SENIORS
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VILLEGAS BREAKS INTO TOP 20

JORDAN HANDED PRESIDENTS CUP ROLE

United States Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples has handed an official role on his team to basketball legend Michael Jordan for next year's match against the International team.

Jordan has been a regular spectator at both Ryder and Presidents Cups over the past decade and was inside the ropes at Valhalla last month when Paul Azinger's American team regained the Samuel Ryder Trophy with a 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory over Europe.

After recently naming Jay Haas as his assistant, Couples told a captains' press conference at the hosting Harding Park in San Francisco on Wednesday that he was formalising Jordan's role within the US set-up.

"Michael Jordan is an assistant assistant," Couples said. "He's been at every Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup that I've played in, he's extremely passionate about the game of golf. There are a lot of people passionate about the game of golf but I believe in my mind that he can bring something to our team.

"He's won six NBA championships and been an MVP in his league forever. He's dealt with team-mates that were phenomenal players and maybe team-mates that could not play for another team. When you get 12 guys playing, I think he may be able to instil quite a bit to our team."

On being unveiled as the USA captain for the 2009 Presidents Cup, Couples had suggested bringing in comedian Robin Williams to his support staff and he reiterated his desire to see the star also contributing to the American cause.

"I've been on nine teams, and a lot of times, it's not the most exciting time at night and I think Robin would come and loosen us up," Couples added.

"It's not mentioned loosely. It's not mentioned to be smart alecky. The players want to relax and he's just one of my all-time favourites. We just haven't got him to commit yet."

While Couples turns to superstars Jordan and Williams, his opposite number Greg Norman explained why he would be leaning on his recently announced assistant captain Frank Nobilo, the New Zealand former pro turned GOLF Channel television analyst.

"Frank's connection with his knowledge of where the game of golf is right now is going to be paramount to a lot of our success," Norman said. "He has the ability on a week-to-week basis, day-to-day basis to actually go down to the driving range and walk around there and have a chat with the guys and have a chat with the caddies, which is just as important as far as I'm concerned as talking to the players, and get insight of what really is going on.

"My schedule will be increased just a little bit coming into the 2009 season, specifically, because I'm playing in a couple of events and importantly, I need to get out there, too, and talk to a couple of these players and get engage with them."

Norman added that the hard part of his captaincy was only just beginning.

"Our moment starts today," he said. "Our biggest decision to date was finding who would be our assistant captains. I'm sure Freddie felt the same way, because there are a lot of just good individuals out there, not just good golfers out there, but good people we could have chosen for that task.

"Now that that's been put aside, we can focus on our next big step is making sure the 12 members of the team are in a very good, cohesive mind-set going into this time next year."


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WOODS TARGETS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

Tiger Woods believes his knee surgery will finally enable him to make essential changes in his swing.

The world number one has been out of action since June when he fought through the pain barrier to clinch the US Open title by defeating Rocco Mediate in a play-off at Torrey Pines.

Such extensive surgery can prevent sports stars ever regain their top form but Woods feels it will have the opposite affect and help him achieve even more Major championships.

"I've been trying to make changes [in my swing] for years, but I didn't have much in [the knee]," said Woods.

"It will be nice to be able to hit against a solid left side for the first time in years."

The 14-time Major winner missed out on America's thrilling Ryder Cup triumph last month but hailed the team's secret to success.

"We finally putted well," added Woods. "We've putted well at The Presidents Cup, but never the Ryder Cup.

"We made all the putts, hence we won."


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HEAVYWEIGHTS COMMIT TO TOUR

Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington have thrown their weight behind the inaugural 'Race to Dubai' and indicated the big-money Dubai World Championship would see them making more appearances in Europe.

The 2009 European Tour and the inaugural 'Race to Dubai' will feature a record 53 tournaments in 26 destinations - including at least two events being played twice.

The Race to Dubai replaces the Order of Merit and ends with the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 19-22, 2009.

The top 60 in the Race to Dubai will qualify for the tournament, which has a prize fund of $10million (Ј5.6million) and a first prize of $1.6million (Ј900,000).

A bonus pool of $10million (Ј5.6million) will also be shared by the top 15 players in the Race to Dubai after the tournament, with the race winner taking away another two million dollars (Ј1.1million).

To be eligible for the world's richest tournament, players must be members of the European Tour, and that now means playing in 12 rather than 11 tour events, two of which must be in Europe.

So far in 2008, Garcia has played 11 times on the European Tour, although seven of those are taken up by the majors and World Golf Championship events, while Harrington has appeared 14 times.

"This tournament represents a real statement of intent by the European Tour and Dubai," said Garcia, who helped design one of the courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

"The Tour has clearly moved up a gear in its ability to attract the world's best players and Dubai has reinforced its position as a centre of world golf.

"It will certainly help focus the interest of the players throughout the year and I, for one, will be seeking to get to Dubai and make it a great finish to the season."

Harrington, overtaken in this year's Order of Merit by Robert Karlsson after the Swede's win at the Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday, added: "I think the Race to Dubai will add a sparkle.

"I know many of the pros, including myself, are looking at our schedules to give ourselves the best chances of going out there and winning that. I have a very tight schedule on both sides of the world but I would like to give myself a good chance of winning that, especially in the first year."

A number of high-profile players, including Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, have also expressed an interest in taking up European Tour membership.

"I think Vijay is going to do it because he told me he's going to win the Dubai World Championship, and he'll have to be in it to win it," said George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour.

O'Grady insisted the Race to Dubai was not about competing with the PGA Tour in America, but admitted lessons had been learnt from across the Atlantic in the current financial climate.

"We don't want to be involved with too many rocky banks," he added in reference to the number of American events sponsored by financial institutions.

"We are well aware of what's happening in the financial markets in the world and that's why we have enormous confidence in our partnership with Leisurecorp. The schedule is 98% rock solid."

Leisurecorp is the Dubai World company which specialises in developments and investments in sport and with whom the European Tour has a wide-ranging partnership. They have also recently bought Turnberry, which will stage the 138th Open Championship next year.

David Spencer, chief executive officer (golf) for Leisurecorp, said: "When we sat down to work with the European Tour we stated we wanted to create an event that was bigger than one player and we have poured our heart and soul into that.

"We did not have the US Tour in our sights. That being said, I think the Race to Dubai has raised the bar of professional golf. Mr Finchem (US Tour commissioner) is very impressed with what we have put together.

"It has captured the imagination of professional players all over the world."

The record number of tournaments is due in part to a minimum of two tournaments - the HSBC Champions and the UBS Hong Kong Open - each counting twice on the 2009 schedule - once in 2008 and again in 2009.

In addition there are five "new" tournaments - the Czech Golf Open, English Open, Canal + Open, Volvo World Match Play Championship and Dubai World Championship.

From 2010, the tour will revert to a calendar-year programme starting with the South African Open at Pearl Valley in January and concluding with the Dubai World Championship in November.

Several venues have yet to be confirmed, including one for the Seve Trophy, but O'Grady revealed the tour planned to take over the running of the event.

"We discussed it with the players and the feedback was that it was a good event if the tour got behind it and took it over, and we have agreed that with Seve (Ballesteros)," O'Grady added.

"These are tough times and it's a work in progress.

We have significant interest but it's not a done deal."


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ROSE AND ELS WELCOME TOUR CHANGE

BALLESTEROS RECOVERING WELL

Seve Ballesteros says he is feeling well after being admitted to a Madrid hospital earlier this week.

The five-time major winner was taken to the La Paz hospital after fainting on Monday.

The Spaniard, who retired from competitive golf soon after his 50th birthday last summer, has undergone a series of tests and remains under observation.

The 51-year-old gave an update on his condition in a message posted on his personal website.

"I wish to inform that I am feeling very well," Ballesteros wrote. "I am awaiting the results of the clinical tests that I have been going through.

"I wish to personally thank all of those who are concerned about my health condition.

"I want you to know they make me feel very good and I feel greatly supported by all of you."

Ballesteros is reportedly due to be discharged tomorrow.


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BALLESTEROS STABLE AFTER FAINTING
Agent: Jags’ Collier making gradual improvement

BALLESTEROS STABLE AFTER FAINTING

Seve Ballesteros is reported to be in a stable condition in a Madrid hospital after fainting.

Spanish news agency EFE stated the five-time major champion, who retired from competitive golf last summer soon after his 50th birthday, was undergoing tests.

In July last year nephew and manager Ivan Ballesteros said the star was found to have an irregular heartbeat, but that it was nothing too serious.

At the same time Ballesteros issued a statement to reassure his "friends and admirers" around the world that he was doing "perfectly well".


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STATUS SHOCKS HARRINGTON
BALLESTEROS RECOVERING WELL

WOODS: I'LL BE BACK BETTER THAN EVER

Tiger Woods has refused to put a time-scale on his return from injury but is confident he will return "better than ever" despite not hitting a ball since his victory in the US Open.

Two days after he played through the pain barrier on his left knee to win the title at Torrey Pines Woods confirmed he would miss the remainder of the 2008 season.

He has subsequently had reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his knee and admitted his rehabilitation has gone well so far.

"It's getting better; there's a little discomfort there, more than any real pain," Woods said.

"The doctors are pleased with my progress, though - I'm moving fairly freely, so the plan is to hit a few balls in January and see how it feels.

"As far as coming back and playing goes, though, your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea how it's going to respond or heal. If I tried to hit a golf shot now, it would be one of the worst shots you'd ever seen. Hopefully in time, though, it'll be fine.

"It's my job, it's what I do, and I love doing it. If you love doing the job you do, then you have the greatest job in the world, whatever it is - and I'm lucky that I do.

"I'm addicted to golf, always have been, and I can't wait to go to work every day. Right now I can't do my work, which is hard to accept, but I'll be back and, I hope, better than ever.

"Would I have won more majors had I not had that injury? Who knows? I could speculate all day, but the fact is that we'll never know.

"I hope I'll come back stronger than ever, but until I get back hitting golf balls, who knows?"

Woods added: "I've not played through that kind of pain before. I mean, I've had pain while playing before, but never to that extent. It hurt a hell of a lot. It hurts just thinking about it.

"You could certainly hear it making all kinds of noise, but I tried to put it to the back of my mind and just play. With something like that, you just have to keep moving.

"And, of course, it helped that it was the US Open - you don't just give up on that. I'm stubborn, too, so I had to finish what I'd started.

"For much of that time I could live with the pain, but I knew eventually I'd have to do something about it - and it came to a head at the US Open."

The US Open victory was Woods' 14th major tournament title and following the injury setback the 32-year-old said he did not enjoy watching the game on television - but his hunger for playing remained strong.

He told Sport Magazine: "It's been tough. Missing the AT&T National, which is obviously my tournament, and then the British Open and the US PGA... it's not been good, not been easy. Because that's what we do, as players.

"We get ready for the biggest events, and I know for a fact that I couldn't compete against anybody - I couldn't even beat my daughter in a golf tournament right now. From that viewpoint, it has been frustrating - but understanding that I can't play at all right now makes it a lot easier.

"I hardly ever watch golf on TV, unless I know my friends are in contention. I watched the final round of this year's PGA because Charlie Wi was in contention, and I grew up with Charlie in California.

"I watched from the start of the final round, but he didn't get off to a good start so I turned it off and went and did something else."

Padraig Harrington has taken advantage of Woods' absence to win the The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the PGA Championship at Bloomfield Hills and Woods felt the Irishman always had the ability to succeed on the big stage.

"We've all known Paddy has the talent to do what he's done for a long time," he added.

"He has an incredible work ethic, which goes unnoticed by a lot of people - ally that to the fact he has so much talent and it was only a matter of time before he had major success.

"A lot of it is to do with the confidence that comes from being on that stage and in contention. Look at how many seconds Paddy has had on the European Tour. He learnt from those, and it was only a matter of time before he converted them into wins."

ENGLISH PAIR HEADING TO PERTH

Ryder Cup pair Lee Westwood and Paul Casey have confirmed they will tee up at the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth in February.

Westwood, ranked 12 in the world, and his fellow Englishman will line-up alongside home favourite Greg Norman at the event.

However, Westwood's entry means he could now pull out of the following week's Accenture World Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Two weeks ago the world number 12 said: "You could go to Tucson, get there on the Monday, practise on Tuesday and then fly home on Wednesday night having shot a 65 and a guy shooting 64 beats you.

"It doesn't really fit in with all the stuff I want to do around it. It messes up your schedule for the next couple of weeks as well with it being an eight-hour or seven-hour time change.

"At some point you just have to evaluate it."

In the last five stagings of the World Match Play he has gone out in the first round three times and in the second round twice.

Meanwhile, Westwood is looking forward to taking on Norman Down Under.

The last time Westwood met Norman on Australian soil was at the Australian Open in 1997 when the Englishman upstaged the then world number one at the fourth hole of a sudden-death play-off in Melbourne to win the title.

"I'm already looking forward to playing in Perth and to the Australian sunshine which will be a welcome change from the European winter," Westwood said.

"It will also be a tremendous challenge to come up against Greg again on his home soil especially after the form he showed at this year's Open Championship."

The tournament will be held from February 19-22.


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CREAMER STEPS UP TO CLAIM WIN

Paula Creamer knocked in a long birdie at the 15th to retake the lead and held on en route to a one-stroke victory at the Samsung World Championship.

It was the fourth victory of the year and eighth in the 22-year-old's career as she finished with a three-under-par 69.

The Californian's four wins this season are the most by an American player since Juli Inkster collected five in 1999.

Beyond adding to a strong campaign, it was an emotional win for Creamer, who broke down in tears during a TV interview after winning near her hometown of Mountain View.

"This means a lot. That is (a) big win for myself," she said later. "I put so much pressure on myself every time I come here and to finally have one, it feels really good. I'm very excited.

"I briefly looked at my phone and people kept saying, 'Did I see you cry? I didn't think you had emotions' and all of this. It does. It really means a lot to me, this win."

Creamer came into the final round with a one-shot lead following a 68 on Saturday. That slim edge disappeared on the back nine when Korean Kim Song-hee birdied the 14th to pull even at eight-under.

As if losing the lead was not enough, two-time defending champion and world number one Lorena Ochoa and the Hall of Famer Inkster both notched a birdie at 16 to pull within a stroke. Also moving to seven-under was Suzann Pettersen with a birdie at the 15th.

Despite the crowd at the top of the leaderboard, Creamer did not lose her focus, coming up with a birdie putt from 25 feet out on her next hole to move back ahead. She maintained that lead until the 18th, when a shaky birdie attempt nearly cost her.

However, Creamer was able to lip in a par putt to seal the win, ending up at nine-under 279.

"Honestly, I didn't see it go in," Creamer said about the clinching putt. "All I heard was the people cheer for it, then I was like, it was like the longest two seconds of my life having it roll into the hole."

Seeking her first win on the LPGA Tour, Kim finished a shot behind following a final-round 68.

It was the second time the 20-year-old was a runner-up this season, ending up 11 strokes behind Ochoa at the Corona Championship in April.

"Going in (Saturday), I didn't have a great feel for my shots, so I was a little worried coming into the round," Kim said through an interpreter. "But I played pretty well. I had a lot of opportunities but I wasn't able to convert all of them, so I'm a little frustrated."

Ochoa, who was trying to become the fourth player to win this event at least three times, ended up in a tie for third at 281 following a 69.

The Mexican finished tied with Inkster (68), Pettersen (68) and Angela Stanford (70). Ochoa had a much better showing on the back nine than she had on Saturday, notching an eagle at the par-five 10th and the birdie on 17th. However, she went into a bunker on her approach of the 18th green before having to save for a par.

She struggled mightily after the turn in the third round, ending up with a double bogey at 13 and two other bogeys en route to a one-over 73 to hamper her chances for another crown. Inkster was looking for her fourth win here, claiming her last title back in 2000.

A five-time champion here, Annika Sorenstam finished in 15th at three-over-par 291 following a closing-round 70.

Collated final round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 72):

279 Paula Creamer 68 74 68 69

280 Song-Hee Kim (Kor) 69 73 70 68

281 Juli Inkster 73 72 68 68, Angela Stanford 69 73 69 70, Lorena Ochoa (Mex) 69 73 70 69, Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 74 70 69 68

282 Katherine Hull (Aus) 70 73 69 70

283 Ji-Yai Shin (Kor) 67 76 70 70, Eun Hee (Kor) Ji 73 73 70 67

285 Cristie Kerr 73 73 68 71

286 Jeong Jang (Kor) 72 76 68 70

287 Seon Hwa Lee (Kor) 75 69 72 71

289 Ya-Ni Tseng (Tai) 69 74 74 72, Hee-Won Han (Kor) 75 71 72 71

291 Annika Sorenstam (Swe) 69 77 75 70

293 Karrie Webb (Aus) 74 76 73 70

294 Na Yeon Choi (Kor) 69 71 75 79, Helen Alfredsson (Swe) 75 73 76 70

296 In-Bee Park (Kor) 77 71 74 74

300 Angela Park (Bra) 76 76 75 73


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KARLSSON IN HARRINGTON'S SHADOW

Robert Karlsson moved into pole position to win the Order of Merit on Sunday - but admitted he would still be in the shadow of Ryder Cup partner Padraig Harrington whatever happens.

Karlsson claimed his second European Tour victory in succession at St Andrews, making a birdie on the first play-off hole to win the Dunhill Links Championship from Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher after the trio had finished tied on 10 under par.

The Ј432,000 first prize took the Swede Ј112,980 ahead of Harrington in the Order of Merit with just four events of the season remaining.

Karlsson, who won the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany the week before the Ryder Cup, plans to play one more event before the season-ending Volvo Masters but Harrington will only compete at Valderrama.

But even if he goes on to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the first time, Karlsson concedes Harrington's victories this year in the Open Championship and USPGA Championship mean he will be the true European number one.

"I still rate Padraig's year higher than mine," admitted Karlsson. "If you've won two majors there's no doubt who is the best player this year."

Until his victory in Cologne, Karlsson had gone two years without a victory but qualified for his second Ryder Cup on the back of nine top-10 finishes this season - including eighth in the US Masters, fourth in the US Open and seventh in the Open.

"I felt at ease here after getting that win under my belt and felt very comfortable going out there in the play-off," said the 39-year-old.

"I've birdied that hole three times in a row now and I just fancied my chances when I got that yardage.

"It's a relaxing event and you just want to go out there and have fun and enjoy it, although I wouldn't have said that on Saturday. I was a bad boy a couple of times during my 76 at Carnoustie!"

On a day of low scoring in benign conditions on the Old Course, Karlsson and Fisher set the clubhouse target after matching rounds of 65.

Kaymer held a one-shot lead on the 17th tee but bogeyed the famous Road Hole after coming up short of the green, and then missed a birdie putt for the title from eight feet on the 18th.

The 23-year-old German then also missed from 12ft for birdie on the first extra hole - after Fisher's hopes disappeared when he drove into the Swilcan Burn - but Karlsson made no mistake after a superb approach to three feet.

"It's disappointing, especially after having chances on the last two holes to win, but overall it was a really good week for me," said Kaymer, who has won twice this season, including on home soil just two weeks after his mother died of cancer.

"It has been a very special week to play with my brother and father in the team event."

Harrington began the day just two off the lead but could only manage a closing 71 and again pointed to fatigue as the reason behind his sub-par recent performances.

The 37-year-old, who won just half a point for the second Ryder Cup in succession at Valhalla, said: "It's hard to get away with it on a Sunday when you are not prepared right. I know myself I'm not on top of my game.

"I'll have a battle on my hands for the Order of Merit for sure. It's in Robert's hands now."


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KARLSSON CLIMBS TO EIGHTH

Robert Karlsson victory at the Dunhill Links Championship has helped haul him up into the world's top 10 for the first time - this at the ripe old age of 39.

The Swede's play-off victory over Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher at St Andrews on Sunday takes him from 18th to eighth in the new rankings.

Colin Montgomerie's failure to survive the cut has dropped the struggling Scott, a nine-time winner of the European Tour's Order of Merit crown, out of the top 100 again.


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SUCCESSIVE WINS FOR KARLSSON

SHIN AHEAD AT HALF MOON BAY

Ji Yai Shin fired a five-under-par 67 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Samsung World Championship.

Paula Creamer is just a stroke behind the Korean while two-time reigning champion Lorena Ochoa is in a group of six golfers another shot back at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links' Ocean Course.

The 20-year-old Shin gained membership on the LPGA Tour with a surprise win at the Women's British Open in August.

However, she opted to return to the Korean LPGA Tour following her major victory, notching a victory at the Shinsegae KLPGA Championship last weekend in her quest for the tour title.

A top-10 finisher in six previous LPGA events this season, Shin picked up steam on the back nine, ripping off four straight birdies starting at the 12th before settling for her only bogey of the round at the 16th.

A runner-up at the Samsung World Championship in 2005, Creamer fired five birdies in her round with her last coming at the 17th as she made up for her only bogey on the previous hole.

Ochoa, who claimed her seventh victory of the season in a playoff at the Navistar Classic last week, managed a three-under 69 despite two bogeys on her first six holes.

The world number one rebounded with an eagle on the par-five 10th and added her third birdie of the day on the 17th.

Ochoa is attempting to become the fourth player to win the event at least three times, including five-time winner Annika Sorenstam.

The Swedish star is also tied for third following the opening round after notching four birdies along with a bogey.

Ochoa and Sorenstam are tied with Na Yeon Choi, Yani Tseng, Song-Hee Kim and Angela Stanford.

Collated first-round scores (USA unless stated, par 72):

67 Ji-Yai Shin (Kor)

68 Paula Creamer

69 Ya-Ni Tseng (Tai), Na Yeon Choi (Kor), Annika Sorenstam (Swe), Lorena Ochoa (Mex), Angela Stanford, Song-Hee Kim (Kor)

70 Katherine Hull (Aus)

72 Jeong Jang (Kor)

73 Eun Hee Ji (Kor), Juli Inkster, Cristie Kerr

74 Karrie Webb (Aus), Suzann Pettersen (Nor)

75 Seon Hwa Lee (Kor), Hee-Won Han (Kor), Helen Alfredsson (Swe)

76 Angela Park (Bra)

77 In-Bee Park (Kor)


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OCHOA BACK WITH A BANG
CREAMER STEPS UP TO CLAIM WIN

OVERTON IN FRONT AT VERONA

Londoner Brian Davis carded a second-round 69 to lift himself into contention in the Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, New York.

Davis had a mixed round as he began by picking up a shot at the first to move to two under but then in six holes from the fourth three further birdies were interspersed with three bogeys.

He stopped the rot by picking up shots at the 10th and 12th, before having a steadier run in with seven successive pars.

That left him four under for the tournament and four behind overnight leader Jeff Overton, who also shot a 69 - to lead by one from his fellow American Tag Ridings.

Heavy rain and hail resulted in two suspensions of play, and the second round was eventually suspended because of darkness with 23 players still on the course.

Australian Jason Day finished on six under after firing a 69 which included a hole-in-on on the 179-yard sixth.


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SUCCESSIVE WINS FOR KARLSSON

Robert Karlsson won his second successive European Tour event to blow the battle for the Order of Merit wide open.

Karlsson birdied the first play-off hole at St Andrews to win the Dunhill Links Championship from Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher after the trio had finished tied on 10 under par.

The Ј432,000 first prize takes the Swede ahead of double major winner Padraig Harrington in the Order of Merit with just four events of the season remaining.

Karlsson, who won the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany the week before the Ryder Cup, plans to play one more event before the season-ending Volvo Masters but Harrington will only compete at Valderrama.

But even if he goes on to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the first time, Karlsson concedes Harrington's victories this year in the Open Championship and USPGA Championship mean he will be the true European number one.

"I still rate Padraig's year higher than mine," admitted Karlsson. "If you've won two majors there's no doubt who is the best player this year."

Until his victory in Cologne, Karlsson had gone two years without a victory but qualified for his second Ryder Cup on the back of nine top-10 finishes this season - including eighth in the US Masters, fourth in the US Open and seventh in the Open.

"I felt at ease today after getting that win under my belt and felt very comfortable going out there in the play-off," said the 39-year-old.

"I've birdied that hole three times in a row now and I just fancied my chances when I got that yardage.

"It's a relaxing event and you just want to go out there and have fun and enjoy it, although I wouldn't have said that yesterday. I was a bad boy a couple of times during my 76 at Carnoustie!"

On a day of low scoring in benign conditions on the Old Course, Karlsson and Fisher set the clubhouse target after matching rounds of 65.

Kaymer held a one-shot lead on the 17th tee but bogeyed the famous Road Hole after coming up short of the green, and then missed a birdie putt for the title from eight feet on the 18th.

The 23-year-old German then also missed from 12ft for birdie on the first extra hole - after Fisher's hopes disappeared when he drove into the Swilcan Burn - but Karlsson made no mistake after a superb approach to three feet.

"It's disappointing, especially after having chances on the last two holes to win, but overall it was a really good week for me," said Kaymer, who has won twice this season, including on home soil just two weeks after his mother died of cancer.

"It has been a very special week to play with my brother and father in the team event."

Harrington began the day just two off the lead but could only manage a closing 71 and again pointed to fatigue as the reason behind his sub-par recent performances.

The 37-year-old, who won just half a point for the second Ryder Cup in succession at Valhalla, said: "It's hard to get away with it on a Sunday when you are not prepared right. I know myself I'm not on top of my game.

"I'll have a battle on my hands for the Order of Merit for sure. It's in Robert's hands now."


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TAYLOR TAKES FIRST-ROUND LEAD

A six-under-par round of 67 was enough to give England's Kirsty Taylor a one-shot lead after the first round of the Madrid Ladies Masters.

The 29-year-old, who hails from Overton in Hampshire, carded seven birdies and one bogey in glorious weather at Casino Club de Golf Retamares.

She finished the day one ahead of Scotland's Catriona Matthew and the Spanish duo of Paula Marti and Tania Elosegui.

The 2002 Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year, Taylor hopes to improve on her career-best finishes of third at the 2002 Wales WPGA Championship of Europe and joint third at the 2006 Tenerife Ladies Open this week.

"I feel like I'm striking the ball really well this year. One day hopefully it will sit into place," said Taylor, whose best finish this year was a tie for fourth at the ABN AMRO Ladies Open in Holland.

"It has been a bit of an up-and-down season. I feel like I've played really well but not quite finished it off. I'm happy though; it could be a lot worse.

"I am very pleased because I just played very steady today. I didn't miss many fairways or many greens and tried to keep it going. For the first time, I've had 25 putts in a round, which is pretty exciting for me."

Taylor chipped in from a bunker to save par at the first hole, and then birdied the third, seventh, eighth and ninth going out, with one bogey at the fourth. She came back in three under par after further birdies at the 10th, 15th and 18th.

Marti, the 2002 Order of Merit winner, was hot on her heels after firing eight birdies and three bogeys. The two-time LET champion from Barcelona is hoping to build on her seven top-10 finishes so far this season.

"Today was really solid and I hit it really close, which was the key. My birdie putts were short ones. I've been practising those putts a lot and I think I am getting more consistent in making them," the 28-year-old said.


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OLD TRAFFORD REWARD AWAITS McILROY

Teenager Rory McIlroy will celebrate with a guided tour of Old Trafford courtesy of Sir Bobby Charlton if he can win his first European Tour title in the Dunhill Links Championship.

McIlroy went into the third round just one shot off the lead held by Austria's Markus Brier after a superb round of 69 at Carnoustie, where he finished leading amateur in the Open Championship last year.

The 19-year-old from Northern Ireland has been paired with United and England legend Charlton in the pro-am event played at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, and the Red Devils fan has his sights set on a trip to Manchester in the near future.

"I've been to Old Trafford five times this year. I don't get along as much as I would like but Sir Bobby has invited me," said McIlroy, who finished third in this event last year in just his second event after turning professional, earning enough money to secure his European Tour card for 2008.

"He said he would take me round the ground and the dressing rooms so that would be great. I've never been to a Champions League match so hopefully I'll get along on a Wednesday."

McIlroy looked set to win his maiden title in the Omega European Masters at the start of last month, taking a four-shot lead into the final round only to eventually lose out to Jean-Francois Lucquin in a play-off.

But the former European amateur champion is taking inspiration from two-time Open winner Padraig Harrington, who famously has almost 30 runner-up finishes on tour.

"Padraig called me over on Wednesday and said 'hard luck' and that he knew how it felt, we've all blown tournaments that we should have won," McIlroy added.

"He's been second on tour 29 times and learnt how to win. He hasn't had a second place for three years. He told me to keep getting experience, get yourself up there again and you'll win.

"The more you are there the more you will learn and you'll close it out."

McIlroy was one of just two players in the top 13 to play Carnoustie on Friday and has the advantage of playing Kingsbarns on Saturday, the easiest of the courses.

In contrast, leader Brier and the trio alongside McIlroy in second place - Ryder Cup team-mates Soren Hansen and Robert Karlsson and Germany's Martin Kaymer - have to tackle Carnoustie with bad weather forecast.

The same applied to Harrington and Lee Westwood, two off the lead on six under par and involved in a battle for the Order of Merit title.

Harrington currently leads by Ј180,000 from Westwood, who would have been Ј100,000 closer by beating Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano in a play-off for the Quinn Insurance British Masters at The Belfry on Sunday.

Karlsson is also in with a shout of lifting the Harry Vardon Trophy. The 6ft 5in Swede is third in the money list another Ј100,000 behind Westwood, but the first prize on Sunday is Ј432,000 and three other lucrative tournaments remain this season.


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CAMPBELL SEEKING MORE SUCCESS

ROSE STILL IN RYDER MODE

The Ryder Cup may only have ended two weeks ago, but Justin Rose has already turned his mind to regaining the trophy in Wales in 2010.

Rose was one of Europe's top performers in Valhalla, securing three points out of four on his debut - claiming two alongside fellow Englishman Ian Poulter and then comprehensively beating world number two Phil Mickelson in the singles.

And last year's European number one admits the experience has left him hungry for more when Celtic Manor hosts the event from October 1-3 in two years' time.

"It's raised my interest even further, especially now having the ability to play in front of a home crowd, a partisan crowd. I think it would be a fantastic experience," said the 28-year-old.

"Speaking to a lot of players who have played Ryder Cups in the past, they say once you've played one Ryder Cup you never want to miss another one.

"I will certainly be trying my hardest from September next year to really start putting the points on the board and trying to secure my spot on the team as soon as possible.

"For me personally there were a lot of positives I could take from it as an individual but in some ways it's a hollow victory when you play well yourself and the team doesn't win.

"I changed my schedule significantly to make the Ryder Cup and made a lot of sacrifices for it and it was disappointing that we didn't win, but I think the sacrifices were worthwhile because it was an amazing experience and a great, great atmosphere to play in."

The European Tour's tournament committee meet in St Andrews this week during the Dunhill Links Championship to discuss who will be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain, with a decision expected early next year.

Sandy Lyle, Jose Maria Olazabal - Nick Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla - and Ian Woosnam are the leading contenders, and Rose seemed open to any combination of the three.

"Obviously Woosie was incredibly successful as a captain and with it being in Wales, that's not a bad fit," he added. "Jose was great and I think he will be a great captain when his chance or his turn comes.

"Sandy and Woosie together? Whatever gets everybody's support, that's what it's all about really. It's fine with me."

Rose finished second here last year behind Nick Dougherty, a result that looked like helping the latter also qualify for the Ryder Cup side.

However, Dougherty narrowly missed out after a traumatic 2008 in which his mother Ennis died suddenly in April after suffering a heart attack, a tragedy the Liverpudlian now admits he underestimated.

"I presumed it was the right thing to keep going, to try to make the side as a lovely gesture to my mum but I was naive to think it would be that easy with the things I was thinking and feeling," Dougherty said. "It truly wasn't.

"I really shouldn't have put myself under the pressure that I did. I presumed that, okay, my mum is gone and I was devastated, but I'm the kind of person that's going to go out there and prove to everyone how strong I am but it's far greater than that.

"I have a new-found respect for people that do come back, like Miles Tunnicliff, who came out and won two weeks after his mother passed away.

"I thought it was impressive, but now I think it's a lot more impressive to deal with what had been going through his mind and to win straight after is incredible."


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STATUS SHOCKS HARRINGTON

Padraig Harrington has admitted he is still struggling to come to terms with his astonishing recent success.

Harrington has won the last two major championships, becoming the first European to successfully defend The Open Championship since 1906 at Birkdale and following that with victory in the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills.

With three major titles to his name, the Dubliner is still a long way from catching the injured Tiger Woods (14) or Jack Nicklaus (18), but he has surpassed the achievements of European greats Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal.

"When I look at the guys who I put up on a pedestal as I was growing up, now I have more majors than them and it startles me a bit and shocks me a bit," said Harrington.

"I wouldn't necessarily feel that comfortable as maybe I should in that sort of situation. I've won more majors than those guys and they were my heroes. That's a hard one. That's probably the toughest one to get to grips with.

"If I was to catch Seve (Ballesteros) at five or Nick (Faldo) at six, it would be something that I'd have to get my head around and that's going to be one of the tasks; to believe it and to go ahead and do it."

Even Ballesteros and Faldo failed to win more than two different major titles - Ballesteros claiming three Opens and two US Masters, Faldo three of each - and Harrington admits: "A Grand Slam is a different kettle of fish.

"I've won two of the four. Yes, if I was going to win another major, I would like it to be one of the other two, but I'm not going to be picky.

"I'll settle for just winning The Open every year. That would do okay."

Harrington has not played since winning only half a point for the second Ryder Cup in succession and admitted he is tired after an exhausting season.

But he insisted nothing would have stopped him from attempting to win a third Dunhill Links Championship this week in Scotland, a victory that would almost certainly see him end the year as European number one again.

"I would be better off with a break but I would never not be here. I'd crawl over to this tournament," added Harrington, whose only other counting event towards the Order of Merit will be the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

"This is a week that I really do enjoy. The golf courses (St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie) are set up very well for me.

"These really suit me while Valderrama doesn't necessarily suit me. So if I want to win the Order of Merit, it's got to be this week to perform."


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ROSE AND ELS WELCOME TOUR CHANGE

Justin Rose and Ernie Els have welcomed the decision to increase the minimum number of events required for membership of the European Tour from 11 to 12.

At least two of those tournaments have to be played in Europe - although one can be the Open Championship - with the changes coming after reports that world number two Phil Mickelson was among a number of US Tour-based players thinking of joining the European circuit.

The Tour launches its new-look 'Race for Dubai' in just over a month, culminating in the world's richest event in Dubai next November.

That tournament, the Dubai World Championship, is open only to the leading 60 players on the Order of Merit, and as things stood, Mickelson and the others could have become eligible without setting foot in Europe.

Double Open champion Padraig Harrington, who has not played a continental event so far this season, was in favour of leaving the membership criteria unchanged, but Rose said: "I still think it's something that should be easily attainable for somebody playing a worldwide schedule.

"It's not a drastic change. If you are looking at enticing some players who are currently not European Tour members to join the tour it might be the difference, but for myself, I am very comfortable making it 12 next year.

"The 12th event will be that season-ending event so I guess that's the only event they are really asking you to add, so not too big a deal."

Els also backed the move and hinted that the current financial crisis could have an impact on the golfing calendar next year, particularly in the United States.

"I've always supported both tours and I think to raise it to 12 is really not all that much to ask for players to do," said the world number eight.

"I think the European Tour is doing a wonderful job, especially in this financial crisis. Obviously with the US economy there's some big questions there, who knows what's going to happen with the tour there.

"I haven't heard anything specific but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out that some of the sponsors might be under a bit of stress. There's going to be some changes I think."


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CAMPBELL THE ROLLERCOASTER

Less than two months ago Michael Campbell stood 417th in the world and it looked as if we might be witnessing the decline and fall of a once great player.

Good enough to have been ranked 12th in May 2001, Campbell had just missed 15 of his last 18 halfway cuts and the game that had pushed Tiger Woods into second place at the 2005 US Open appeared a distant memory.

Major winners do not always bounce back after going into a slump -

Ian Baker-Finch eventually gave up trying and David Duval is still a shadow of his former self - but the 39-year-old New Zealander did not panic.

Why? Because his whole career has been an astonishing mixture of highs and low.

And sure enough Campbell has put the pieces back together and with four top 10s in his last five starts, the last two of them third place finishes, he is back up to 191st on the world rankings and all things seem possible again.

Lee Westwood played three of the four rounds with him in the British Masters at The Belfry last week. They were tied for the lead with 18 holes to go, three clear of the field, but Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano overtook Campbell, caught Westwood and beat him in a play-off.

"Cambo's a bit strange in that he either wins the US Open or goes missing for three or four months," said Westwood.

"But he is good when he gets in the mix of things. He has been looking like winning a tournament recently."

So what does Campbell himself make of it all?

"I have actually accepted who I am as a golfer," he said.

"I tried to change things in myself and change my golf swing to be more consistent, to be more like Padraig (Harrington) and those guys, but that is just not me.

"So I thought that I should just get out there and play golf like I normally do. Okay I am going to miss cuts, but I am going to win tournaments as well.

"That's what I have done over the last three months, just worked on my basic routines and my rhythm - two simple things. I just need to keep going through those processes.

It was at The Open in July that Campbell started seeing light at the end of this particular tunnel.

He had missed his last six cuts heading to Birkdale, but said: "It's like water off a duck's back to me. Ever since I was a schoolboy I've gone through big ups and downs.

"I know other players in my position would be panicking and might even give up, but with me it can turn right round in one week. That's how it's always been."

Campbell finished third in the 1995 Open at St Andrews - he led with a round to go and was only a shot away from the play-off between John Daly and Costantino Rocca - but just two years later was back at the European Tour qualifying school.

Three wins in 2000, however, helped him to finish fourth on the Order of Merit and after going through another nightmare time he re-emerged to capture the 2003 Irish Open and then two years later his major title.

That in itself summed up the Maori's career. He only just made it through the qualifier at Walton Heath, but the following week pushed Tiger Woods into second place at Pinehurst.

*******************

While Campbell went about his business at The Belfry a lot of the chat there - and at the Tour Championship in Atlanta - was inevitably about the previous week's Ryder Cup.

Westwood winning in Europe and Sergio Garcia in America would have continued the debate about Nick Faldo's handling of them at Valhalla, but both ended up losing in play-offs.

Either of them winning would also have been hailed as a brilliant performance straight after one of the most draining weeks of the year. But it is not as rare a feat as you might think.

In the last 15 Ryder Cups there have been 11 occasions when a player involved in the match has won the following European Tour event.

The most famous is Bernhard Langer winning a play-off seven days after his missed putt decided the 1991 contest at Kiawah Island and the remarkable German also won straight after the 1981, 1989, 1995 and 1997 matches.

Michael King did it in 1979, Seve Ballesteros in 1985, Sandy Lyle in 1987, Garcia in 1999, Harrington in 2002 and Woods went straight from The K Club two years ago to leave everybody else for dead in the American Express world championship at The Grove near Watford.


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JAG JOY FOR SWEDE

Sweden's Fredrik Andersson Hed just missed out on his first European Tour hole-in-one on Sunday - but still collected a Ј37,500 Jaguar XF sports car.

The 36-year-old's four-iron to 22 inches at the Belfry's 208-yard 12th hole earned him the special 'nearest the pin' prize in the final round of the Quinn Insurance British Masters.

"I've had seven holes-in-one in my life and the only thing I've won for them is a picture, so it's pretty nice to win a car when the ball didn't go in," said Andersson Hed, who was five inches inside the shot from England's Robert Giles.

Spain's Alvaro Quiros did ace the hole earlier in the tournament, but as it was the wrong day his reward was only a magnum of champagne.


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ALL CHANGE ON TOUR QUALIFICATION

Anybody wanting either to join the European Tour or to stay a member of it is going to have to plan their schedule a lot more carefully next season.

Not only has the minimum number of events required for membership been increased from 11 to 12, but there is also a stipulation that at least two of them have to be tournaments played on continental Europe.

The changes were made at a players' committee meeting at St Andrews last night and followed reports that world number two Phil Mickelson was among a number of US Tour-based players thinking of joining the European circuit.

The Tour launches its new-look 'Race for Dubai' in just over a month, culminating in the world's richest event in Dubai next November.

That tournament, the Dubai World Championship, is open only to the leading 60 players on the Order of Merit - and as things stood, Mickelson and the others could have become eligible without stepping foot in Europe.

But the new demand also affects some European stars.

Open and PGA champion Padraig Harrington, for instance, has not played a continental event so far this season - the Volvo Masters in Spain at the end of this month will be his one and only; nor has Sergio Garcia - while Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey have played only one each.

Tour chief executive George O'Grady said: "It was a very positive discussion by the committee, who reviewed all aspects of the Tour and took into account the current economic situation.

"They felt this was a correct way to recognise the support of the founding body of the European Tour in Europe.

"It is a stepping stone, and they will continue to review the situation on an annual basis."

Committee chairman Thomas Bjorn added: "Over the years, the seasons have been extended so much - and we also think that, with a 13-month season coming up, it is reasonable to put the number up by one.

"It is not a big 'ask' to play 12 events, especially when a lot of those guys in question (who may want to join the European Tour) play four majors and three World Golf Championship events anyway.

"It was never a big 'ask' - it was just time to change."

Asked whether a larger minimum number of tournaments was considered, he stated: "No, 12 was always the preferred number. But we will keep it under review."

The stipulation of two continental Europe events comes after a season when many of the tournaments there have suffered from weakened fields.


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MITCHELL CLAIMS SCOTTISH SENIORS

England's Peter Mitchell withstood a strong challenge from Scotland's Sam Torrance to win his second European Seniors Tour title of the season at the Scottish Seniors Open on Sunday.

Mitchell, who won his maiden Seniors Tour title at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open earlier this summer, started the day two shots in front of Torrance but found himself one behind the former Ryder Cup captain at the turn before carding three birdies over the next four holes to open a lead he was never to relinquish.

In the end, a three-time European Tour winner from Kent, who carded 12 birdies over his closing 36 holes, posted a nine-under-par, 54-hole aggregate of 207, two shots ahead of Torrance and three in front of first-round leader Des Smyth who slipped to a closing 71.

The win was Mitchell's second in his first eight starts as a Senior and the 42,931 euros (Ј33,750) first-place cheque took his earnings to the season to 185,082 euros (Ј145,500).

It also moved him up from seventh to fifth on the Order of Merit behind Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Gordon J Brand and Juan Quiros.

"It was tough out there today," said Mitchell. "I started pretty scrappily and then, when Sam got in front, I really had to battle to get back at him.

"The last seven holes were pretty hard work," he added. "But I hung in there and am delighted to win again.

"The great thing is that I putted a lot better today and that's probably the key to the win."

Torrance arrived at Dalmahoy not having won since the Bendinat London Seniors Masters last June but equalled Mitchell's closing 69 to produce his best performance of the season to date.

"I'm disappointed, of course I am," he said, before departing for St Andrews where he is scheduled to play alongside son, Daniel, in this week's Dunhill Links Championship. "But the good news is that I played better so I'm looking forward to showing the youngsters on the regular Tour a thing or two."

Earlier in the day, England's Tommy Horton brought his illustrious European Seniors Tour to an impressive close when he carded a one-under-par 71 to finish the championship in a share of 19th place on three over par, 219.

The 67 year-old has won a record 23 titles and well over Ј1 million since turning 50 back in 1991 but has decided to call it a day while he remains competitive.

"It has been a tough decision but I'm sure it's the correct one," said the former Ryder Cup player from Jersey who has claimed 107 top-10 finishes in 240 starts on the Seniors Tour and won the Tour's Order of Merit title on a record five occasions.

"I started to think about it a couple of years ago when I had a bout of ill-health and now it feels as if the time is about right.

"I still plan to play my home event in Jersey but for the rest of the time I'll sit back and watch the younger guys battling it out."

He added "It's been great fun. I'm just grateful to have got a second bite of the cherry."

Collated final round scores & totals in the European Seniors Tour Scottish Seniors Open, Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel & CC, Edinburgh, Scotland

(Par 72)

207 Peter Mitchell (Eng) 71 67 69

209 Sam Torrance (Sco) 71 69 69

210 Des Smyth (Irl) 68 71 71

212 Eamonn Darcy (Irl) 72 71 69

213 Jerry Bruner (USA) 70 70 73, Simon Owen (Nzl) 71 72 70

214 Andrew Murray (Eng) 73 70 71

215 Ross Drummond (Sco) 74 69 72, Denis O'sullivan (Irl) 74 70 71

216 Domingo Hospital (Spa) 69 71 76, Costantino Rocca (Ita) 70 73 73, Bill Longmuir (Sco) 70 73 73

217 Emilio Rodriguez (Spa) 75 70 72, Angel Fernandez (Chi) 70 78 69, Matt Briggs (Eng) 75 70 72

218 Carl Mason (Eng) 71 77 70, John Hoskison (Eng) 73 72 73, Pete Oakley (USA) 75 73 70

219 Gordon Brand Jnr (Sco) 74 72 73, Tommy Horton (Eng) 75 73 71, David Merriman (Aus) 75 70 74, Tony Johnstone (Zim) 74 73 72

220 Bruce Heuchan (Can) 73 73 74, Bob Larratt (Eng) 73 75 72, Tony Allen (Eng) 74 71 75, Kevin Spurgeon (Eng) 71 76 73, Nick Job (Eng) 74 72 74

221 Jeff Hall (Eng) 75 75 71, Gery Watine (Fra) 75 72 74, Delroy Cambridge (Jam) 73 74 74, Bobby Lincoln (Rsa) 75 72 74, Luis Carbonetti (Arg) 78 70 73

222 Jose Rivero (Spa) 74 73 75, Bob Cameron (Eng) 74 75 73, Denis Durnian (Eng) 75 70 77, Jim Rhodes (Eng) 75 74 73, Jean Pierre Sallat (Fra) 81 70 71, Bob Boyd (USA) 70 74 78, Philip Harrison (Eng) 72 74 76, Eddie Polland (NIrl) 72 72 78

223 Guillermo Encina (Chi) 76 74 73, Noel Ratcliffe (Aus) 72 76 75

224 Philippe Dugeny (Fra) 75 75 74, Jim Lapsley (Nzl) 71 79 74

225 Ian Mosey (Eng) 76 72 77, Juan Quiros (Spa) 73 76 76

226 Bill Mccoll (Sco) 73 79 74, David Good (Aus) 77 76 73, Gordon J Brand (Eng) 74 77 75, Tony Price (Wal) 72 81 73, John Chillas (Sco) 79 73 74, David J Russell (Eng) 76 74 76, Martin Poxon (Eng) 76 77 73

227 Tim Rastall (Eng) 79 74 74

228 Martin Gray (Sco) 75 75 78, Victor Garcia (Spa) 78 77 73, Manuel Pinero (Spa) 79 75 74

229 John Benda (USA) 75 75 79, Giuseppe Cali (Ita) 73 79 77, Horacio Carbonetti (Arg) 81 75 73

230 Maurice Bembridge (Eng) 73 78 79, Adan Sowa (Arg) 74 77 79

231 Steve Martin (Sco) 77 77 77

232 Bill Lockie (Sco) 81 75 76

233 Bill Hardwick (Can) 80 78 75

234 Jimmy Heggarty (NIrl) 78 78 78, Mike Miller (Sco) 79 76 79

235 Tony Charnley (Eng) 74 79 82, Jose Maria Canizares (Spa) 82 76 77

239 Antonio Garrido (Spa) 77 79 83

240 Ray Carrasco (USA) 79 85 76

Withdrawn: Bob Stewart (Sco) 75 88, Liam Higgins (Irl) 80 79, Brian Marchbank (Sco) 72

OCHOA BACK WITH A BANG

Lorena Ochoa came back from a month's break to win her seventh title of the year at the Navistar LPGA Classic on Sunday.

The world number one hadn't won since May and had been relatively invisible in the past couple of months, even before taking a break from competitive golf four weeks ago, but there was no mistaking her slim, fighting figure at the weekend when she stormed back from a poor first round to catch the leaders and finally win a sudden-death play-off against Taiwan's Candy Kung with a two-foot par putt at the second extra hole.

"I had a good feeling that today it was my day and it was going to happen," Ochoa said.

"Sometimes you need to play and have a good time, and that's what I did."

With her batteries recharged after her break, Mexico's latest sporting icon posted a closing two-under 70 that was good enough to match the hard-charging duo of Kung (67) and Cristie Kerr (66) with a 15-under 273 total.

Kerr, one of the USA's major winners this year, was eliminated with a bogey on the first extra hole, however, to leave the final battle between Ochoa and Kung.

"It wasn't easy," said Ochoa, who has a poor record of just two wins in six in LPGA Tour play-offs. "But I'm happy that I won the play-off because I need to improve in my play-off results."

Ochoa came to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Capitol Hill course, The Senator, in Alabama, without a win from her last seven starts following a dramatic turnaround on her early-season form that had brought her six wins in just nine starts - four of them on the trot.

"For sure," she said, looking back, "I had a few chances to win tournaments before but yes, it's been a little slow the last few months.

"I'm glad I did it this week and hopefully got into a good rhythm to keep me going and help me finish strong."

Sweden's Louise Friberg, who tied for the lead with Ochoa at 13 teeing off on Sunday, fell away with a mediocre 72 to tie for sixth at 13 under with Wendy Doolan (68), Sarah Jane Kenyon (69), Jill McGill (69) and LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng (70).

Ochoa made a five-foot eagle putt on the par-five eighth and also had a bogey and a birdie in a solid, rather than spectacular round that she finished with six straight pars (eight, in fact, if you included the play-off).

Ochoa won US$210,000 for her 24th career LPGA Tour victory to push her season total to more than $2.5million.

On the second play-off hole, Ochoa two-putted from the back fringe, leaving just a two-footer for par.

A tense Kung, in the meantime, three-putted from about 30 feet - but was not too upset.

"It's been a very good experience for me this week," said Kung, who had forced her way into the play-off with a 22-foot birdie putt at the 18th.

"I haven't played this well for a long time. And it's been solid four days, I would say, or three at least.

"All day I was focused. I was happy that I got myself to the play-off. I didn't even know how big that putt was on 18."

Kerr also birdied 18 to get into the play-off, in her case holing an even longer, 25-foot putt - but then she promptly three-putted the first play-off hole to fall out of the contest.

"It was very disappointing because I only had to two-putt," Kerr said.

"The first putt I hit probably would have ended up maybe five or six feet short, but it hit something and came up horribly short, it was really hard to read and of course I missed it."

Collated final round scores & totals in the LPGA Tour Navistar LPGA Classic, RTJ Golf Trail, Capitol Hill's The Senator, Prattville, Alabama, United States of America

(USA unless stated, par 72):

273 Lorena Ochoa (Mex) 67 67 69 70, Cristie Kerr 66 71 70 66, Candie Kung (Tai) 69 72 65 67 (Ochoa won at second extra hole)

274 Song-Hee Kim (Kor) 68 68 69 69, Shanshan Feng (Chn) 68 70 70 66

275 Louise Friberg (Swe) 67 71 65 72, Wendy Doolan (Aus) 68 73 66 68, Ya-Ni Tseng (Kor) 71 66 68 70, Jill McGill 65 69 72 69, Sarah Jane Kenyon 70 69 67 69

276 Sherri Turner 69 71 67 69, Ji-Young Oh (Kor) 67 70 72 67, Maria Hjorth (Swe) 76 68 63 69, Katherine Hull (Aus) 70 70 67 69

277 In Kyung Kim (Kor) 72 67 71 67, Michele Redman 70 65 70 72, Christina Kim 70 66 69 72, Janice Moodie (Sco) 66 67 72 72, Heather Daly-Donofrio 72 70 66 69

278 Jane Park 65 74 69 70, Karrie Webb (Aus) 72 68 69 69

279 Jee Young Lee (Kor) 74 70 69 66, Giulia Sergas (Ita) 72 70 70 67, Shi Hyun Ahn (Kor) 73 70 65 71, Gloria Park (Kor) 70 70 68 71, Na On Min (Jpn) 71 67 70 71, Mi-Hyun Kim (Kor) 69 72 69 69, Mikaela Parmlid (Swe) 69 69 72 69

280 Stacy Prammanasudh 73 72 69 66, Karen Stupples (Eng) 70 72 68 70, Carri Wood 73 71 66 70, Angela Park (Bra) 71 69 71 69, Hee Young Park (Kor) 72 69 71 68

281 Becky Morgan (Wal) 71 69 70 71, Eunjung Yi (Kor) 71 70 70 70, Jamie Hullett 73 71 70 67, Alena Sharp (Can) 74 70 69 68, Sarah Lee 70 73 70 68

282 Reilley Rankin 72 71 70 69, Charlotte Mayorkas 70 75 70 67, Dorothy Delasin 71 72 69 70, Sandra Gal (Ger) 67 74 72 69, Teresa Lu (Tai) 70 68 75 69, Rachel Hetherington (Aus) 70 73 70 69, Hwa seon Lee (Kor) 76 69 72 65, Allison Fouch 73 70 68 71

283 Michelle Ellis 71 67 74 71, Meena Lee (Kor) 73 71 68 71, Eun Hee Ji (Kor) 71 74 71 67, Nicole Hage 70 71 75 67, Katie Futcher 67 75 71 70, Karine Icher (Fra) 70 70 70 73

284 Mollie Fankhauser 70 74 68 72

285 Joo Mi Kim (Kor) 71 72 74 68, Becky Lucidi 73 71 69 72, Patricia Meunier-Lebouc (Fra) 73 72 71 69, Morgan Pressel 78 67 74 66, Hee-Won Han (Kor) 72 70 73 70, Anna Grzebien 73 72 72 68, Wendy Ward 75 68 70 72, Kim Hall 69 74 70 72

286 Karin Sjodin (Swe) 71 69 72 74

287 Johanna Head (Eng) 76 68 72 71, Jeong Jang (Kor) 65 76 74 72

288 Taylor Leon 69 70 75 74, Ashleigh Simon (Rsa) 75 69 70 74, Beth Allen 72 73 70 73, Amy Hung (Tha) 72 72 75 69

289 Il Mi Chung (Kor) 73 71 75 70

290 Michelle McGann 69 74 71 76, Brittany Lang 76 69 76 69

291 Sung Ah Yim (Kor) 75 70 73 73, Su A Kim 73 72 76 70, Julieta Granada (Par) 73 70 76 72, Meredith Duncan 71 71 76 73

292 Marisa Baena 73 70 76 73, Lisa Strom (Gbr) 70 73 74 75, Lee Ann Walker-Cooper 75 69 78 70

293 Jimin Kang (Kor) 74 70 73 76

294 Jackie Gallagher-Smith 70 75 77 72, Irene Cho 71 74 73 76

300 Soo-Yun Kang (Kor) 70 75 79 76


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