WHO WILL BE MONTY'S MEN IN 2010?

So now we know that Colin Montgomerie will be the captain. But who will be playing under him at Celtic Manor next year?

Twenty months before the Americans defend the Ryder Cup here is a prediction, with some tips that might help win back the trophy:

PADRAIG HARRINGTON (Ire). 37. Three majors now, how many by October 2010? Montgomerie won't care as long as the Dubliner does better than he has in the last two matches: nine games and not a single win. Caps 5. Played 21 Won 7 Halved 3 Lost 11.

Message to Monty: He's your star, so make him your on-course leader.

SERGIO GARCIA (Spa). 29. Up to world number two and given his age could well end up as the Ryder Cup's leading scorer. Has never lost in foursomes, yet Nick Faldo rested him in Louisville. Caps 5. P24 W14 H4 L6.

Message to Monty: Don't have him sitting in a buggy, even if he says he's tired.

ROBERT KARLSSON (Swe). 39. Europe's leading money-winner last year, member of last two teams and played like a world-beater at times last September. At long last starting to belief he can win anywhere. Caps 2. P7 W1 H4 L2.

Message to Monty: Keep reminding him how good he is.

HENRIK STENSON (Swe). 32. 2007 World Match Play winner and third and fourth in the last two majors. His time may be coming and it would surprise nobody because he definitely has the game. Caps 2. P7 W2 H2 L3.

Message to Monty: He's the one who suggested you as captain, now get the most out of him.

LEE WESTWOOD (Eng). 35. Equalled Arnold Palmer's unbeaten Ryder Cup run, then was benched by Faldo and lost his next two games. Has beaten Tiger Woods five out of six times. Caps 6. P29 W14 H5 L10.

Message to Monty: Woods will be back, so Westwood's your man.

LUKE DONALD (Eng). 31. 100% record in four foursomes with Garcia and was badly missed at Valhalla after undergoing wrist surgery. Back playing after six months out and even if he needs a wild card it will be worth giving him one. Caps 2. P7 W5 H1 L1.

Message to Monty: Donald and Garcia. Write it down as a pairing now.

PAUL CASEY (Eng). 31. Has just ended two years without a victory and Montgomerie will be hoping it is a launchpad for greater things. Casey has always had the potential - he and Donald won four points out of four at the 1999 Walker Cup. Caps 3. P9 W3 H4 L2.

Message to Monty: Keep showing him his hole-in-one at The K Club.

IAN POULTER (Eng). 33. Controversial pick by Faldo, but boy did he respond - four points out of five to be the top scorer on either side. Justin Rose said his friend played best when he had a point to prove and how right he was. Caps 2. P7 W5 L2.

Message to Monty: Forget your past clashes with him. He can play.

MARTIN KAYMER (Ger). 24. 2007 Rookie of the Year who won twice last season and came so close to making the team that Faldo invited him to America for the experience. He lapped it up and is earning rave reviews. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Get to know him.

JUSTIN ROSE (Eng). 28. Had to work hard to get into the 2008 side, but then rose to the challenge with three wins out of four. He will be disappointed if he hasn't at least challenged for a major by the time of the next match. Caps 1. P4 W3 L1.

Message to Monty: Rose and Poulter. Write it down now.

RORY MCILROY. 19. Boy wonder whom many thought capable of becoming the event's youngest-ever player last year. Did not make it, but he has into April's Masters and the sky seems the limit. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Put him under Westwood's wing.

ROSS FISHER (Eng). 28. The way he won the European Open last July was simply stunning and with his length he just has to find more consistency to be one of Europe's leading lights. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Tell him how much Celtic Manor is like The London Club.


MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN
CLARKE: MONTY IDEAL FOR CUP CAPTAINCY

PAST WINNERS COME GOOD

Experience proved crucial for Henrik Stenson and Richard Green at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday as the two former champions roared to the top of the second-round leaderboard.

Dubai-based Swede Stenson carded a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 to move onto 11 under despite spending 12 hours at the Emirates Golf Club after fog again delayed the completion of a large proportion of Thursday's first rounds.

Not to be outdone by the 2007 champion, 11 years after his win, Australian Green blazed a flawless nine-under-par 63 to leap up to second at 10 under par, a shot clear of world number two Sergio Garcia, who let slip only one bogey in a 66.

But with a total of six hours play lost over the opening two days, more than half the field will return in the morning to complete their second rounds with 24 unable to start at all.

Stenson arrived at the course at 6am but was forced to wait three hours before completing his first-round 68, which ended with a disappointing bogey after finding the water on the 18th green.

He recovered and his knowledge of his home course proved crucial as a weary Stenson, runner-up last week in Qatar, took the overnight lead courtesy of an eight-foot birdie putt on his 25th and final hole of the day.

"I was a little bit disappointed with the finish to the first round, I felt like I threw a couple away there but I didn't give hardly anything away in the afternoon," said the 32-year-old.

"I had a good touch around the greens and made some good saves and chip-ins and putts. It was a grinding day but when I hit bad shots I recovered well and made some good birdies on the good shots."

Stenson plays an extra 10 rounds per year at Emirates Golf Club and was able to leave his often-troublesome driver in the bag and rely on his experience.

"I was hitting some good tee balls with the three wood and then a couple of so-so ones," he added.

"I know the course and I know where I wanted to be on most of the holes so I don't feel the need to hit a driver really to get it going."

Green also finished his first-round 71 on Friday morning, but was delighted his putter came alive in the afternoon to inspire one of the best rounds of his career around a course that has been made tougher, longer and tighter since his victory.

He said: "I've been hitting my putter well for a while without getting the results I deserved. But something seems to have clicked today, which needs to happen if you're going to shoot low. You've just got to take advantage of it when your putter's hot - and that's made all the difference today."

After winning November's HSBC Champions to take over as world number two, Garcia has continued to close the gap on Tiger Woods with back-to-back top-10 finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, although he was never really in a position to challenge the leaders.

"I think my whole game is in good shape," he said. "It's showing in that the weeks that I don't score well, I'm finishing fifth, sixth or seventh. The weeks that things happen a little bit more to me, I'm going out there to win."

First-round leader Rory McIlroy was able to start his second round but will hope his first-hole bogey does not prove crucial in his bid to win a maiden title after dropping down to seven under.

Asian number one Jeev Milkha Singh signed for a four-under 68 to join McIlroy four shots adrift, while in-form South African Louis Oosthuizen, Sweden's Robert Karlsson, Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Frenchman Gregory Havret are a shot further back after playing a handful of second-round holes.

Tournament officials will hope for a prompt start on Saturday morning, which should allow the third round leaders to complete nine holes before returning on Sunday morning ahead of their final rounds.

But should fog again delay the start, officials will have to decide whether to extend the tournament until Monday or opt to cut the US dollars 2.5million event to 54 holes, depending on the length of any delay.


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STENSON EYEING HOME WIN

STENSON EYEING HOME WIN

Former champion Henrik Stenson is hoping home advantage will play a key role as he bids get his Dubai Desert Classic title challenge off to a flying start today.

The 32-year-old Dubai resident practises at the Emirates Golf Club and plays an extra 10 rounds a year around the championship course.

And with five of the world's top 12 assembled this year, the 2007 champion is ready to make his advantage count after finishing inside the top eight in each of the last three years.

"It's one of my favourite courses. This is where I practise and play at the moment. I get a good few rounds in with some friends," said the world number seven.

"With it being my home course, and one where I have won before, I have good memories, and you know where to be and not to be on all the holes. That gives you a relaxed feeling.

"I really enjoy playing this course because you never get fed up playing it and it's always a tough test.

"I've played the tournament since 2001 so I've had quite a number of rounds on it during tournament play as well and every year you add something to your experience bank and it should get easier and easier."

After enduring a confidence-draining missed cut in Abu Dhabi, Stenson's game - which saw him finish in the top 10 nine times last year - returned in Qatar last week as he finished second behind Spain's Alvaro Quiros.

He fired himself into a tie for the lead midway through the final round but was unable to match the explosive Quiros down the stretch and was forced to settle for second place.

"I didn't play well in Abu Dhabi, but I had some good practice time in between and I got back stronger and played quite nicely last weekend. I needed a few more putts to drop but I gave Alvaro a good run for his money," he added.

"I am happy with that and I'm playing quite nicely so I am a bit more confident going into this week."

Even though defending champion Tiger Woods is unable to seek a third Classic title this week as the world number one continues to recover from knee surgery, Stenson is up against world number two Sergio Garcia, European number one Robert Karlsson and the equally consistent Lee Westwood.

Ernie Els is another who certainly knows his way around in Dubai, the South African boasting a phenomenal record of top-three finishes over the last seven years, which includes two wins following his maiden triumph in 1994.

In 11 appearances, he has never finished lower than eighth and his opening-round 11-under-par 61, which kicked off his wire-to-wire victory in 1994, remains the course record.

He missed out on a fourth win last year after being outdone by a majestic Woods over the final round.

Els he opted to take on the final green in a bid to post a championship-winning eagle but found the water when a closing birdie would have earned a play-off.

"I feel comfortable here. I feel comfortable with the people involved with the tournament, the crowd and especially the golf course. I've got good lines that I follow off the tees," said the 39-year-old.

"It's been very similar every year. We've had some different weather conditions through the years, when the winds kicks up it can become tricky.

"This year it's very lush, high rough so you've got to keep the ball in play and be less aggressive off the tees."


COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE
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MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

CLARKE: MONTY IDEAL FOR CUP CAPTAINCY

Darren Clarke believes Colin Montgomerie's superb record in the Ryder Cup made him the ideal candidate for the position of European captain.

Montgomerie was announced this afternoon as Europe's captain for the 2010 competition, which will take place at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales.

He will be charged with the task of regaining the trophy after Europe lost 16.5-11.5 to America in Valhalla last year to bring Europe's nine-year hold on the trophy to an end.

Clarke was part of the 15-man committee which unanimously selected Montgomerie on Wednesday.

The Ulsterman missed out last year but has played five times in the competition and starred in Europe's nine-point win at the K Club in 2006.

Montgomerie has won 23.5 points as a Ryder Cup player, just 1.5 points behind the record held by Nick Faldo, and Clarke believes this will help him captain the team in Wales.

"He's got an incredible record in the Ryder Cup; he's been the Ryder Cup talisman for many years," Clarke told Setanta Sports News.

"He'll be very player-orientated; he'll take a keen interest in how the players are doing. The fact that he'll be captaining the tour, playing in the team will be an added bonus."

Jose Maria Olazabal's ongoing fitness battle meant he missed out on the chance to lead the Ryder Cup team.

"He's been battling for fitness for quite some time and I'm sure, if Monty asked him, he'd be only too pleased to help out.

"We just hope Jose Maria continues his way back to full health."

Oliver Wilson believes Montgomerie can develop a closer bond with his players than predecessor Nick Faldo.

"He's got a lot of experience and I think the second best Ryder Cup record in the European team's history, but the best thing will be his communication to all the players," Wilson told Sky Sports News.

"Anyone who makes the team will know him really well. Everyone's going to be comfortable with him. He's going to be able to talk to everyone, bring everyone together and put everyone in the right frame of mind.

"Faldo and Montgomerie have two very different personalities," he added.

"Monty is going to be more communicative with the players. Everyone will know him better than Faldo and they may be more comfortable with him because he is younger.

"For me, Nick Faldo was a legend of the game.

"I grew up watching him but I never played alongside him whereas with Colin I have played alongside him for four or five years so I have got to know him and I would feel more comfortable with him just because I have known him for so long and for me that's the best thing.

"That's how I feel and I'm sure it will be the same for anyone else coming into the team."

Ian Poulter admits he and Montgomerie "have had our little ding-dongs" - but he expects Europe's new Ryder Cup captain to be inspirational in the role.

"His record is very impressive in the Ryder Cup, and it's something people respect highly," Poulter said.

"He will be able to perform under pressure because he always has - I can't see why he would be any different as captain.

"We've had our little ding-dongs, but he is such a great person - and as captain, you would perform for him. He'd have great respect from everyone, and you'd expect him to get the best out of you."


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MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

POULTER TARGETS MAJOR PRIZE

Ian Poulter is determined to build on his runner-up finish at last year's Open Championship and break his major duck in 2009.

The Englishman was second only to an inspired Padraig Harrington at Royal Birkdale last July and at one stage during the final-round looked capable of securing a first major crown.

A memorable back-nine from Harrington ensured it was the Dubliner who emerged victorious, but Poulter has taken great heart from that performance.

With a stellar individual showing during Europe's Ryder Cup defeat at Valhalla also to his credit, the 33-year-old is convinced he is now ready to join the game's elite and feels 2009 could be the year he makes a major breakthrough.

"I always set my targets pretty high, I do want to achieve well in the big tournaments and playing well in the Open last year was very pleasing," he told Sky Sports .

"I want to go a step better by putting on a green jacket or winning the Open - just trying to be in contention to win one of those tournaments.

"I felt the buzz this year at the Open and I'd like to be able to feel that more.

"(A major win) would be a special moment for sure. (I've dreamt about it) many times - lots of thoughts, certainly after the Open this year.

"Mindsets of how to be able to go that one step closer. I feel that would take me to the next level for sure.

"I feel confident about my game, I feel confident about my ability on the golf course - I just would like to see myself in contention in the majors this year and have a chance to slip a green jacket on or pick up a Claret Jug. It would a dream and something we're working towards."


COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE
MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN
Study: Late ex-NFL player had brain condition

MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

Colin Montgomerie marked his first day as Europe's Ryder Cup captain by warning the United States they only have the trophy on loan.

The 45-year-old Scotsman has been a Ryder Cup hero out on the course in previous years, but in 2010 he intends to steer Europe's finest to glory at Celtic Manor in his new role.

He is determined to instil a winning mentality in his team and Montgomerie was clear about his ambitions as he addressed the challenge of taking on Corey Pavin's American side.

"My message to my players is very easy, we go and claim back the Ryder Cup," said Montgomerie.

"I have been given a task not just to captain this team in Wales but to win back the Ryder Cup in Wales.

"We feel something is missing, the last three captains have had the privilege of sitting with the Ryder Cup in front of them and I don't. It is my job to make that come true for the following captain in 2012.

"It is a very responsible position that I now hold and with that comes an awful lot of responsibility, but for the European Tour's sake I hope it will end up in victory."

Montgomerie succeeded Nick Faldo as captain following a unanimous decision from the players' tournament committee and described it as "the greatest honour for a European".

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who was vice-captain to Faldo in the defeat at Valhalla last September, had been a potential candidate for the job, along with Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam.

But the fact Montgomerie is still a regular fixture on the European Tour swung the decision firmly the way of the five-time former Ryder Cup winner.

Montgomerie only emerged as a front-runner two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi when Sweden's Henrik Stenson was the first to put his name forward.

He had previously indicated he wanted to return to the team next year to win a ninth cap as a player, and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to take up the captaincy.

But with Europe now boasting 11 of the world's top 30 and Montgomerie playing alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington each week, it was decided next year was his time after an out-of-touch Faldo failed to inspire a fourth consecutive European victory last year.

"The players changed my mind about playing in 2010," said Montgomerie.

"I have always had huge respect for the players on the European Tour and I've been listening and taking heed of what they've been saying and it just seems the time is right for me to take the helm and be captain.

"With the wealth of talent we have on the European Tour we could field three teams that are as almost as strong as each other. We have new talent emerging and a nucleus of a team, but we have a nucleus of a team that I will be very excited to captain."

Montgomerie made the first of eight Ryder Cup appearances in 1991 under Bernard Gallacher and went on to playing on winning teams in 1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

"This is one of the proudest moments I can think of. I am very proud and honoured to be selected by the committee to be the 2010 Ryder Cup captain," said Montgomerie.

"It's not just an honour but a huge responsibility as well having lost the last Ryder Cup in Valhalla. It is important we do everything we can, and I promise I will do everything he can, to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010."

The eight-time Order of Merit winner has not lost any of the eight singles matches he has played in the Ryder Cup and has won 23.5 points in total, putting him just 1.5 points behind the record held by Faldo.

But he ruled out any prospect of being a playing captain next year.

"All the points I earn as a player for the Ryder Cup will be nullified," he said.

"I will not in any way, shape or form come anywhere near to qualifying for the team.

"I am captain and a very proud and honoured man right now."


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COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

Colin Montgomerie has been appointed captain of the European team for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

Here we back a look back at the key moments in his golfing career.

1963: Born Glasgow, June 23.

1984: Runner-up to Jose Maria Olazabal in British Amateur.

1985: Scottish strokeplay champion. Walker Cup debut.

1987: Scottish champion. Second Walker Cup cap. Turns professional.

1988: Rookie of the Year after coming 52nd in Order.

1989: Wins first European Tour title at Portuguese Open by 11 strokes.

1991: In Ryder Cup debut comes from four down with for to play to halve with Mark Calcavecchia, but Europe lose.

1993: Scores 3 1/2 points in Ryder Cup, but Europe lose again. European number one for first time after winning Dutch Open and Volvo Masters.

1994: Loses play-off for US Open to Ernie Els. European number one again.

1995: Loses play-off for US PGA Championship to Steve Elkington. Part of winning Ryder Cup side and third successive Order of Merit crown.

1996: European number one again and adds Million Dollar Challenge in South Africa.

1997: Second in US Open again, clinches Ryder Cup victory by halving singles against Scott Hoch and becomes first player to win Order of Merit five years in a row.

1998: Sixth successive money list crown, victories including Volvo PGA Championship.

1999: Seven Order of Merits in a row, plus Cisco World Match Play and joint top scorer in the Ryder Cup, but Europe lose and he is heckled.

2000: Wins third successive Volvo PGA championship, but reign as European number one ends.

2002: Takes Tiger Woods to play-off in Germany and stars in Ryder Cup victory at The Belfry.

2004: Marriage collapses, but sinks winning putt as Europe retain trophy in Detroit.

2005: Runner-up to Tiger Woods in Open, captures eighth Order of Merit.

2006: Joint runner-up in US Open after double-bogeying last hole. Part of another winning Ryder Cup side.

2008: Marries for second time.

2009: Appointed Ryder Cup captain for 2010 in Wales.


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OLLY MUST WAIT FOR TOP CUP ROLE

Jose Maria Olazabal will be part of Colin Montgomerie's backroom staff at Celtic Manor but it remains to be seen if the legendary Spaniard will captain Europe in the future.

Montgomerie, 45, was named as Nick Faldo's successor in Dubai and the Scot quickly confirmed Olazabal will join him in Wales after the two-time Masters winner was overlooked due to his poor health.

Olazabal's recent battles with rheumatism have limited the 42-year-old to only three tournaments in the last eight months and he is expected to take charge in Chicago in 2012 after impressing as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla, despite the five-point defeat.

But questions over his health stopped Europe's tournament committee unveiling Olazabal for the trip across the Atlantic at the same as confirming Montgomerie's 2010 captaincy.

Montgomerie said: "I think it's quite obvious Jose Maria will be part of my team at Celtic Manor. I have a great understanding and respect for him.

"We first came together in 1984 in the British Amateur final and it's amazing how the two of us have gone forward in this game from that date.

"Let's hope Olly's health does not stop him ever becoming captain.

"From what I have heard from Valhalla, he was fantastic in the team room and I have great respect for him and he is the favoured candidate for 2012, so long as his health does not deteriorate to any degree, and let's hope and pray not.

"It might have been a double announcement this time but I don't think Jose Maria was in a position to say yes at this stage, but who says he will not be in a position to say yes in two years' time, but as this stage he probably isn't as he is unaware of his health issues at this time."

Montgomerie also confirmed Thomas Bjorn, who is chairman of the player's committee who appointed him, will also have a role in his team at Celtic Manor should the Dane fail to qualify as a player.

Bjorn, 37, was part of the victorious Ryder Cup teams in 1997 and 2002 but is now ranked 213th in the world.

"I do respect him," said Montgomerie. "He did a wonderful job under Bernhard Langer in 2004 as a captain's assistant and I would hope to use Thomas, if he doesn't quality for the team, in any way, shape or form."

Montgomerie is expected to name more than one vice-captain for Celtic Manor after Faldo drew criticism for only using Olazabal last year, while United States captain Paul Azinger had three.

He added: "It is difficult to judge the backroom team as I wasn't there but my optimum number is more than we had last time."

Azinger also had four captain's picks last year and the question whether to increase the number available to Montgomerie will be discussed at the next committee meeting in Ireland in May.


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COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

QUIROS CHARGES INTO THE LEAD

Alvaro Quiros intends to ride his luck all the way to the Qatar Masters title after storming into a one-stroke lead with a stunning bogey-free third round of 64.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is renowned for his big-hitting but was pleased to show a deft touch on the greens in his eight-under-par round, which helped propel October's Portugal Masters champion to 16 under for the tournament - a shot clear of second-round leader Louis Oosthuizen.

In-form South African Oosthuizen set the standard with a flawless 65 on Friday and remains in the hunt for a maiden European Tour title. He battled to a 69 despite a disastrous four-putt on the fifth green which saw him ship a double-bogey six.

It was also not plain sailing for Quiros who after charging to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies in eight holes fortunately avoided a one-stroke penalty on the ninth fairway despite sending a wayward drive up a tree.

Quiros' luck escaped him in Abu Dhabi last week but after watching an attempted lay-up rebound off a rock and back onto the fairway on Friday, this time he was handed a free drop instead of the usual one-shot penalty as the tree was staked.

He almost took full advantage of the break as he left a birdie putt on the edge of the hole, despite hacking his second shot onto a cart path.

"It's been my lucky week," said the beaming Spaniard.

"I can't remember the last time I won, but I hope it's going to be a new day, and with a bit of luck I will be fighting for the trophy. But this is golf and you have to wait until it's your week.

"Last year I was hitting the ball well and the scores never arrived except the last four months of the year.

"I made silly mistakes on the course yesterday but it was good and today was just a great day of putting. I missed two or three short putts but I made two or three long ones."

Despite seeing a three-shot second-round lead eliminated, Oosthuizen remained upbeat despite his "up and down" day which included five birdies.

After making a late charge to finish a narrow second in Abu Dhabi last week, he is perfectly placed to add a European Tour title to the five tournaments he has won in South Africa.

"I think one behind is a good spot. If you are three or four ahead everyone is really thinking you have to win. One behind is a nice spot to put myself in with 18 holes left," he said.

"Alvaro shot an unbelievable round. It will be nice playing with him. It will be the two of us head-to-head."

Holland's Maarten Lafeber and 2006 Qatar champion Henrik Stenson sit well placed at 12 under after recording matching 66s, while inaugural Qatar champion Andrew Coltart finished strongly with two birdies in three holes to card a 70 and lie just a shot further back.

Stenson fell victim to Adam Scott's course record of 61 last year which handed the Australian the title and relegated the Swede to runner-up, and he knows it will need to be his turn tomorrow to halt Quiros.

"Yesterday was a struggle but the first day was okay and today was the best I've played all week. I am definitely making a big step in the right direction," said Stenson.

"Anything can happen on the last day and if I shoot a good score I might have an outside chance.

"But it's going to take one of Adam Scott's rounds to threaten Alvaro. But Adam did it to me last year so hopefully I can return the favour to somebody else this year."

World number two Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Australia's Aaron Baddeley all found their form at the right time with 67s but head into the final round seven adrift at nine under.

Collated third round scores & totals at Doha GC, Doha, Qatar

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par: 72)

200 Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 69 67 64

201 Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 67 65 69

204 Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 68 70 66, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 66 72 66

205 Andrew Coltart 66 69 70

207 Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 68 72 67, Anders Hansen (Den) 67 72 68, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) 66 71 70, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 70 70 67, Chapchai Nirat (Tha) 69 69 69, Lee Westwood 67 73 67, Paul Broadhurst 68 70 69

208 Damien McGrane 69 69 70, Robert Dinwiddie 67 73 68, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 69 72 67, Johan Edfors (Swe) 72 67 69

209 Brett Rumford (Aus) 67 69 73, Alexander Noren (Swe) 72 71 66, Retief Goosen (Rsa) 69 73 67, Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 70 69 70, Thomas Levet (Fra) 71 70 68

210 Anthony Wall 70 70 70, Stephen Gallacher 72 69 69, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 69 72 69

211 Robert Karlsson (Swe) 68 72 71, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 73 69 69, Niclas Fasth (Swe) 70 71 70, Nick Dougherty 68 72 71, Simon Dyson 72 70 69, Bradley Dredge 74 67 70

212 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 70 71 71, Peter Hanson (Swe) 72 69 71, Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 70 72 70, Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 71 72 69, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 68 74

213 Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 70 71, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 71 71 71, Adam Scott (Aus) 73 70 70, Soren Hansen (Den) 72 71 70, Markus Brier (Aut) 70 71 72, Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den) 73 71 69, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 71 70 72

214 Rory McIlroy 76 68 70, Richard Finch 73 67 74, Ernie Els (Rsa) 70 71 73, Joakim Haeggman (Swe) 73 70 71, Martin Kaymer (Ger) 71 72 71, Ross McGowan 73 66 75, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 71 73 70

215 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 72 71 72, Gary Murphy 71 71 73, David Howell 71 71 73, Paul Lawrie 72 71 72, Marcel Siem (Ger) 72 71 72, Danny Willett 73 71 71, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra) 71 73 71, Peter Hedblom (Swe) 69 71 75

216 Stephen Dodd 70 72 74, Oliver Wilson 69 73 74, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 70 73 73, Jamie Donaldson 70 73 73

217 Scott Strange (Aus) 72 71 74, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 73 71 73, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 73 71 73

218 Steve Webster 72 71 75, Ross Fisher 71 71 76

219 Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 76 68 75

220 Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 68 75 77

221 Graeme Storm 72 72 77


ACE PRIZE FOR QUIROS
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LOW SCORING START TO THIRD ROUND

Playing partners Peter Hanson and Gonzalo Fdez-Castano set the scene for a low-scoring third round at the Qatar Masters after picking up three quick shots this morning at a bright but chilly Doha Golf Club.

Swede Hanson, who is currently sixth on the Race to Dubai, finished 10th in Abu Dhabi last week and moved into contention for a third top 10 finish of the young season after storming out of the blocks with birdies over his first three holes.

Spaniard Fdez-Castano joined Hanson at six-under-par overall after making an even more explosive start with an eagle at the first which was quickly followed by a birdie three holes later.

Scotland's Stephen Gallacher also moved onto six-under as he picked up three shots over his opening four holes.

Former champion Retief Goosen and Swede Niclas Fasth had earlier paved the way for low morning scores with a hat-trick of birdies to start their rounds but the duo could keep up with their quick starts.

Goosen, the 2007 Qatar champion, slipped back to four under with a bogey at the sixth, while Fasth handed all three shots back with a double-bogey and bogey in the later part of his front nine.

Halfway leader Louis Oosthuizen begins his bid for a maiden European Tour title from 12 under later this afternoon, with inaugural Qatar champion Andrew Coltart three shots adrift in second.

Yesterday Abu Dhabi runner-up Oosthuizen took control of the US

2.5million tournament with a flawless second-round seven-under-par 65, while joint first-round leader Coltart signed for a solid 69.

Young Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Australia's Brett Rumford are in touching distance at eight under with Miguel Angel Jimenez a further shot off the pace.


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COLTART HITS THE FRONT IN QATAR

PEREZ RETAINS LEAD AFTER STRONG FINISH

Pat Perez produced a strong finish to his third round as he carded a 67 to remain top of the Bob Hope Classic leaderboard on 25 under par.

After a consistent start on the back nine, Perez sank five birdies on the front nine in his five-under effort to hold a two-shot lead over fellow American Steve Stricker.

Two strokes in front of Briny Baird at the start of the day, Perez managed only one birdie over his first nine holes in stark contrast to his previous 36 holes, when he posted rounds of 61 and 63.

However, the 32-year-old soon rediscovered his touch and made birdies at the first, second, fourth and fifth holes.

After just his second bogey of the tournament at the par-four fifth hole, Perez responded with his 25th birdie of the tournament on the next.

"I hit it great all day and it was a little better for me on the front," Perez said. "But I wasn't really comfortable on the back."

Despite his impressive form so far, Perez refused to contemplate a winning score as he closes in on a first PGA Tour title.

"No, I won't think about that at any point," Perez said.

"I'm just going to try to go as low as I can and make a lot of putts. That's all I'm going to do.

"I'm not going to worry about a number. If I play great and I come up short, I come up short. But I'm not going to worry about a number or anything the other guys are doing, I can only do what I can control. So I'm just taking it one hole at a time and we'll go from there."

Stricker, who was eight shots behind Perez at the start of his third round, played himself into contention with a bogey-free round of 61 to tie Charlie Wi for the best score of the day.

Searching for his first win since 2007, Stricker - like Perez - has recorded just one bogey over his first 54 holes.

"I just gave myself a lot of opportunities today," Stricker said.

"I kept the ball in play, hit some close shots, made a couple of lengthy putts and everything that you need to do in an 11-under round, I guess I did.

"I guess the biggest thing was I gave myself a lot of opportunities and didn't make any mistakes."

Vaughan Taylor (64) is three shots back while David Berganio (68), Chris Stroud (67), Richard Johnson (67) and Jason Dufner (67) are all four shots off the lead.

Taylor, in particular, was thrilled with his performance.

"It still feels like a 64," Taylor said.

"It's fun. It's good playing. I felt like I could have shot a few better but at the same time, I think it was a great round."

Baird, who had briefly taken the lead, stumbled towards the end of his round before eventually signing for a 70. The American is in a group of six golfers who are five strokes off the lead.

The 90-hole event is being played over four courses and features a first prize of US 918,000.


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MONTY ESCAPES RYDER CUP QUESTIONS

Colin Montgomerie was able to avoid any more questions about the Ryder Cup captaincy as he missed the cut at the Qatar Masters on Friday.

The Scotsman jetted straight off to Dubai, where a decision on who will lead Europe at Celtic Manor next year is expected next week.

On Thursday Jose Maria Olazabal, the other main contender for the role, confirmed his interest, but Montgomerie brushed off a barrage of questions, telling journalists: "I'm not saying anything significant today to anyone. I will see you next week and I look forward to it."

The eight-time Order of Merit winner, whose three-over-par 75 left him two shots adrift of the cut, only emerged as a front-runner last week having previously indicated he wanted to return as a player before taking on the captaincy at Gleneagles in 2014.

The 45-year-old failed to qualify for the team last year and was overlooked by Nick Faldo for a wildcard place. He is far more likely to have a playing role in next year's event however, with Olazabal continuing to be dogged by injuries. The Spaniard, who was Faldo's vice-captain last year, has missed much of the last two years with rheumatism and fatigue, and was forced to withdraw from this week's Qatar Masters - although he is expected to tee off in Dubai next Thursday.

Europe's tournament committee, of which Montgomerie is a member, is expected to make a decision on Wednesday. Sandy Lyle and 2006 captain Ian Woosnam are outside contenders.

Olazabal's compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez, who made his Ryder Cup debut in Europe's defeat at Valhalla last year, endorsed the two-time Masters champions' decision, but remained tight-lipped as he is also a member of the tournament committee.

"I think it would be very nice if Jose got the job. Olazabal showed what he can give to the team last year, but anyone would be very good," said Jimenez.

"I don't want to say who I think should be captain. We will have to wait until next week."


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LOUIS HAPPY TO LEAD FROM FRONT

In-form Louis Oosthuizen may lack experience of leading on the European Tour but the South African has certainly picked a tournament to try it out after storming to the top of the Qatar Masters leaderboard.

The 26-year-old is a five-time winner on his native Sunshine Tour but even though he narrowly missed out on his maiden European Tour crown in Abu Dhabi last week after Paul Casey held on to claim a one-stroke victory, he was always lurking just off the pace before falling narrowly short following a final-round charge.

But after two rounds at Doha Golf Club, twice South African PGA Championship winner Oosthuizen held a three-shot lead over the strongest ever field assembled for a regular European Tour event following a bogey-free, seven-under-par 67.

"I don't really have much experience of leading on the European Tour. I have been in South Africa and it's gone well," said Oosthuizen.

"We have 36 holes left. I'm confident with the way I'm playing and I feel like I have a good chance. We'll just see how it goes over the next two rounds.

"I'm not going to do anything differently than I've been doing. It feels nice having a three-shot lead after the second round, I played well and I'm happy."

With 1998 Qatar champion Coltart in the clubhouse on nine under par following a solid second-round 69, Oosthuizen battled early afternoon rain before blazing around the turn with four birdies in five holes to move on to 12 under.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros fired three late birdies as the big-hitting Spaniard carded a 67 to earn a share of third place at eight under alongside Australia's Brett Rumford, who shot a 69.

"I would have definitely taken a three-shot lead after the second round. I am playing well and I am very happy," said Oosthuizen, who started the year with a 10th-place finish at the Joburg Open.

"If you look at the players who are here it's an amazing field. If you just have a look at the world-ranking points that are here this week it's an amazing week.

"It's always a nice confidence boost to play well the week before and that second spot was very close to a play-off. It was nice bringing that form to Qatar and I am very happy."

Miguel Angel Jimenez sits five adrift in fourth with fellow overnight leader and 2006 champion Henrik Stenson in a group at six under.

Sergio Garcia, Robert Karlsson and Lee Westwood are all at four under, with defending champion Adam Scott well down the field a further three shots back.

American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley, compatriot Brandt Snedeker, Abu Dhabi winner Casey and Justin Rose all missed the cut.


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DALY OUT BUT COMPTON IN FOR DUBAI

Troubled former Open champion John Daly, currently serving a six-month ban from the US Tour, is no longer in the field for next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

But the tournament will see the European Tour debut of Erik Compton, the American golfer who last year underwent a second heart transplant operation.

Daly had originally planned to play the entire three-week Middle East swing on the circuit, but told organisers of the Abu Dhabi Championship last week that his game was "not yet up to shape" and it now remains to be seen when he will next play.

He revealed the PGA Tour suspension himself last month, saying he wanted to go public to let fans and tournaments know that he wasn't abandoning them by taking his game to Europe.

In October police said that the 42-year-old, whose world ranking is now down to 744th, appeared intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant in North Carolina and he was taken to jail to sleep it off.

Compton was diagnosed at age nine with cardiomyopathy, an enlarging of the heart which hinders its ability to pump blood.

Three years later, in 1992, he had his first transplant and went on to play in the 2001 Walker Cup before turning professional.

He has received special permission from the PGA Tour to use a golf cart and to continue taking banned anti-rejection pills, but after a heart attack in October 2007 it became clear he would need another transplant. The surgery took place last May and five months later he made it through the first stage of the qualifying school in the States.


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OOSTHUIZEN TAKES HALFWAY LEAD

Louis Oosthuizen snatched the halfway lead at the Qatar Masters from former champion Andrew Coltart after the South African blitzed a flawless second-round seven-under-par 65 today.

With 1998 champion Coltart in the clubhouse on nine-under-par following a solid three-under 69, Abu Dhabi runner-up Oosthuizen battled early afternoon rain to reach the turn in three-under before taking advantage of calming conditions to move onto 12-under-par and establish a three-shot lead over the Scot.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into third place with a five-under 67 which included a hat-trick of birdies to finish from the young Spaniard.

He is joined at eight-under by Australia's Brett Rumford who signed for a solid 69 which included just a solitary bogey.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, who held the overnight lead with Coltart and another former champion Henrik Stenson, was satisfied with a one-under 71 but sits five adrift in fourth.

After dropping just one bogey in his opening round 67 yesterday, Oosthuizen, 26, picked up a first shot of the second round at the 452-yard par-four fifth before blazing around the turn with four birdies in five holes.

Back-to-back birdies from the 15th quickly followed to put the two-time South African PGA Champion well in the hunt for a maiden European Tour breakthrough.

"I would have defiantly taken a three-shot lead after the second round. I am playing well and I am very happy," said Oosthuizen, who started the year with a 10th-placed finish at the Joburg Open.

"It's always a nice confidence boost to play well the week before and that second spot was very close to a play-off. It was nice bringing that form to Qatar and I am very happy."

Stenson, the 2006 champion, could only manage a level-par 72 to remain at six-under alongside Ireland's Damien McGrane (69) and Paul Broadhurst (70), while Lee Westwood need three late birdies to salvage a 73 and dropped into a tie for 16th alongside world number two Sergio Garcia, who signed for a second consecutive 70, at four-under.

Defending champion Adam Scott, who has a 100% record at Doha Golf Club after also winning in 2002, carded a second-round 70 to move to one-under-par.

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey (69), Justin Rose (72) and Colin Montgomerie (75) all missed the cut.


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OOSTHUIZEN ON THE MOVE

Louis Oosthuizen made his move up the Qatar Masters leaderboard on Friday afternoon as the South African's flawless second-round front nine left him a shot adrift of clubhouse leader Andrew Coltart.

With 1998 Qatar champion Coltart on nine-under-par following a solid three-under 69, Oosthuizen continued the form which saw the 26-year-old narrowly miss out on a maiden European Tour title in Abu Dhabi last week.

After dropping just one bogey yesterday, Oosthuizen picked up a first shot at the 452-yard par-four fifth before reaching the turn in a flourish with back-to-back birdies.

Earlier, joint overnight leader Coltart claimed the outright lead with a steady trip around Doha Golf Club in mild morning conditions.

"I'm pleased. There is always a question whether you can follow up a low round and I think I managed it," said the 38-year-old Scot.

"I think if you go around that course and shoot under par you have done really well and off the back of the 66 I was really proud of it."

Coltart grabbed his first birdie with a 10-foot putt at the eighth before another followed to start the back nine after two-putting the par five.

A three-putt a hole later accounted for his only bogey, but a chip-in three at the 12th pushed him back to two under before a up and down at 16 brought the Scot home.

He added: "There were some scrappy moments, it is the type of game you cannot play the same one day to a next, but I got the job done with a couple of nice chips, a couple of nice pitches and a couple of nice putts and three under I'm happy with.

"It was by no means the perfect round of golf, but I am delighted to shoot under par."

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into second place at eight-under with a five-under 67 which included seven birdies from the young Spaniard.

Quiros' round was helped by a hat-trick of birdies to finish, although he was fortunate his attempted lay-up at the last rebounded off a rock and only landed in semi-rough.

"I was playing well last week and didn't have any luck," said the 26-year-old.

"Yesterday I played good again and I didn't have any luck either so today was the day.

"I'm working well and putting good, sometimes with luck and sometimes without and that is the difference between a good score and a bad score."

Joint overnight leader Miguel Angel Jimenez was unable to build on his bogey-free first-round 66 but was satisfied with a one-under 71 which left the Spaniard alone in fourth at seven-under.

Defending champion Adam Scott, who has a 100% record at Doha Golf Club after also winning in 2002, carded a second-round 70 to move to one-under.

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey (69), Justin Rose (72) and Colin Montgomerie (75) were all set to miss the cut.


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CHALLENGE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Linna Golf Club in Finland is one of six new venues on this season's European Challenge Tour, which will see a minimum of 24 events in 18 different countries.

The Darren Clarke-designed Champions Club course at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort in County Kildare will host the Challenge of Ireland on June 11-14, while Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Club in Aiemore is the new venue for the Scottish Challenge from July 30-August 2.

Biggest purse will be the 430,000 Euros Kazakhstan Open on September 17-20 and the Tour will retain its presence in South America with the Club Colombia Masters on March 19-22.

European Challenge Tour Schedule:

March 5-8: Spanish Challenge, venue to be confirmed

March 19-22: Club Colombia Masters, Country Club, Bogota

April 16-19: Tusker Kenya Open, Muthaiga, Nairobi

April 30 - May 03: Banque Populaire Moroccan Classic, El Jadida

May 14-17: Allianz Open Cotes d'Armor Bretagne, Blue Green de Pleneuf Van Andre, France

May 21-24: Piemonte Open, La Mandria, Turin, Italy

May 28-31: Telenet Trophy, Royal Waterloo, Brussels, Belgium

June 11-14: Challenge of Ireland, Moyvalley, Co Kildare, Ireland

June 18-21: St Omer Open, Aa St Omer, Lumbres, France

June 25-28: Swedish Challenge, Bastad

July 2-5: Credit Suisse Challenge, Wylihof, Luterback, Switzerland

July 9-12: Allianz EurOpen de Lyon, Gouverneur, Monthieux, France

July 23-26 Swalec Wales Challenge, Vale Hotel, Cardiff

July 30- August 02: Scottish Challenge, Macdonald Spey Valley, Aviemore

August 6-9: SK Challenge, Linna, Vanajanlinna, Finland

August 13-16: Trophee de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland

August 27-30: Wroclaw Challenge, Toya, Wroclaw, Poland

September 10-13: Dutch Futures, Houtrak, Halfweg, Netherland

September 17-20: Kazakhstan Open, Nurtau, Almaty

September 24-27: Qingdao Open, Qingdao Huashan, China

October 1-4: Ecco Tour Championship, Holsterbo, Denmark

October 8-11: Allianz Open, Grand Toulouse, Seilh, France

October 22-25: Italian Federation Cup, Le Querce, Rome

October 28-31 Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, San Domenico, Puglia, Italy


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MONTY QUIET ON RYDER ROLE

Colin Montgomerie has refused to comment on Jose Maria Olazabal's decision to put himself forward for the 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy.

Montgomerie, 45, only emerged as the front runner to lead Europe's bid to reclaim the coveted trophy at Celtic Manor last week after previously indicating he wanted to play in Wales and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to be captain.

On Thursday' Olazabal's manager said the 42-year-old Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's assistant last year at Valhalla, is available and would accept the role despite also hoping to qualify as a player.

Europe's tournament committee, of which Montgomerie is a member, are expected to make a decision on Wednesday in Dubai.

"I'm not saying anything significant today to anyone,'' said Montgomerie after carding a second-round 75 at the Qatar Masters.

"I will see you next week and I look forward to it.''

Two-time Masters champion Olazabal and Montgomerie are the clear front runners with Sandy Lyle and 2006 captain Ian Woosnam believed to be outside contenders.

Olazabal's chances of being named as a player have diminished due to injuries which have plagued him in recent years and forced him out of this week's event, although he is expected to play in the Dubai Desert Classic, which starts on Thursday.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez endorsed Olazabal's decision, but remained tight lipped as he is also a member of the tournament committee.

"I think it would be very nice if Jose got the job. Olazabal showed what he can give to the team last year, but anyone would be very good,'' Jimenez said.

"I don't want to say who I think should be captain, we will have to wait until next week.''


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COLTART STAYS ON TRACK

Former champion Andrew Coltart opened up a one-stroke lead at the midway point of the second round of the Qatar Masters.

The 38-year-old Scot added a second-round 69 to his opening 66 to finish nine under par at Doha Golf Club.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into second place at eight under with a five-under 67 which included seven birdies.

Overnight joint leader Miguel Angel Jimenez was unable to build on his bogey-free first round but was satisfied with a 71 which left him third and a shot clear of Maarten Lafeber (70), Damien McGrane (69) and Australian Masters champion Rod Pampling (68).

"I'm pleased. There is always a question whether you can follow up a low round and I think I managed it," Coltart said.

"I think if you go around that course and shoot under par you have done really well and off the back of the 66 I was really proud of it.

"There were some scrappy moments, it is the type of game you cannot play the same one day to the next, but I got the job done with a couple of nice chips, a couple of nice pitches and a couple of nice putts.

"I'm happy with three under and I'm looking forward to the weekend. It was by no means the perfect round of golf, but I am delighted to shoot under par."

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi champion Paul Casey (69) and Justin Rose (72) were all set to miss the cut along with Colin Montgomerie (75).


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OOSTHUIZEN ON THE MOVE

ISHIKAWA INVITED TO MASTERS

Japan's Ryo Ishikawa will become the second youngest player to appear in The Masters after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.

He will be 17 years, six months and 23 days when the tournament starts in April. Tommy Jacobs, who played as an amateur in 1952, was five months younger.

"At a young age, Mr Ishikawa has shown the skill and competitiveness to make him a deserving recipient of this invitation," Augusta chairman Billy Payne said.

"We see this as an opportunity to expose an emerging talent on a world stage and fulfil our objective to grow the game.

"I am optimistic that his participation in the Masters will inspire younger players and increase interest in golf in Asia and beyond."

Ishikawa's victory at the 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur made him the youngest winner of a main tour event.


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COLTART HITS THE FRONT IN QATAR

Former champion Andrew Coltart claimed the outright lead at the Qatar Masters this morning after picking up two shots during his second round at an overcast Doha Golf Club.

The Scot, who claimed the inaugural Pearl trophy 11 years ago, shared the overnight lead at six-under-par with Ryder Cup duo Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez but claimed sole possession after two quick birdies in four holes around the turn.

Veteran Spaniard Jimenez carded two birdies over his opening three holes but a bogey five at the 11th, his second of the day after starting on the back nine, left him seven-under and tied for second with Maarten Lafeber.

Holland's Lafeber picked up three shots through the opening nine holes of his second round with two birdies over his first four holes and two over the last four wrapped around a solitary bogey five.

Lafeber has fallen down the golfing radar since his 2003 Dutch Open success and last year posted a third place finish at the Irish Open as his best performance of a mainly unspectacular season.

With 2006 champion Stenson set to begin his challenge later this morning from six under, Spain's Alvaro Quiros and England's Nick Dougherty moved onto five under.

Defending champion Adam Scott has a 100% success rate in Doha but continued to struggle to show the form that saw him claim a second Qatar Masters last year although the Australian world number 14 picked up a shot over his opening eight holes to move to level par.

Meanwhile, last week's winner in Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey and American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley were in danger of missing the cut.

Casey, who also missed the cut in Doha two years ago after winning in Abu Dhabi the previous week, remained at four over through seven holes of his second round, while playing partner Weekley shipped a double bogey six to slip back to three over on European Tour debut after signing up last week.


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LATE RYDER BID FROM OLAZABAL

Jose Maria Olazabal might easily have been made Ryder Cup captain by now if he had said months ago he wanted the job.

But now he has finally declared himself available for selection, the Spaniard has heavyweight competition in the shape of Colin Montgomerie ahead of the decision next Wednesday.

Not that Olazabal should worry about missing out totally like Sandy Lyle. If Montgomerie is still put in charge for Celtic Manor next year then Olazabal would appear to be a certainty for Chicago in 2012.

Assistant to Nick Faldo in the Louisville defeat last September, the 42-year-old from San Sebastian was reported to have done a fine job.

He looked a natural successor but, despite the rheumatism that had kept him out of action for much of the year, said he wanted to play next time and so the guessing game started.

Montgomerie, who said the same thing, spoke up for fellow Scot Lyle, while 2006 captain Ian Woosnam was in the running, too, for the first-ever match on Welsh soil. Miguel Angel Jimenez's name was mentioned as well.

Then, however, came the lengthy tournament committee meeting in Abu Dhabi last week.

Montgomerie was in attendance, but was out of the room for some time and speculation began that was to allow his colleagues to discuss whether the time was right for him to take over.

Previously the eight-time European number one had been earmarked for home soil at Gleneagles in 2014, but the need for a younger man than Faldo seemed to be one decision that was made.

Montgomerie would be the same age - 51 - as Faldo at Gleneagles and, with the odds on him being made captain next year tumbling after the meeting, it was generally assumed he had made himself available and that had got out.

All that might have been dependent, though, on Olazabal finally deciding he did not want to be considered. Now his manager has said he does.

"He is available - if he is offered the job he will say 'yes'," Sergio Gomez said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Olazabal has played only two events since last May and pulled out of this week's event in Qatar, but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered. Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the Valhalla course how he wanted and he could use the crowd as a "13th man".


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PEREZ MAINTAINS BOB HOPE CHARGE

Pat Perez continued his impressive form at the Bob Hope Classic as he carded a second consecutive bogey-free round to take a two-shot lead following Thursday's second round.

Perez followed up a blistering opening 61 with a nine-under-par 63 to move to 20-under and open up a gap over Briny Baird.

Perez, who never has won on the PGA Tour, reeled off 19 birdies and an eagle in his first two rounds that included a sizzling 28 over his first nine holes on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old made another excellent start on Thursday, sinking birdies on five of his first eight holes before adding four more over the second half of his round.

Baird, meanwhile, recorded a hole-in-one on the par-three seventh hole en route to his second straight 63 and help him keep in touch with Perez.

Baird also added eight birdies, including four in a row from the 13th, to claim sole possession of second place at 18-under.

David Berganio was level with Baird before a bogey on his final hole - the ninth - finished off a 64 that left him alone in third, three shots off the pace.

Tom Pernice Jr carded a bogey-free 63 to share fourth with Chris Stroud (63), Richard S. Johnson (65) and Jason Dufner (65) a shot further back.

Brad Adamonis shot the lowest round of the day, signing for a 10-under 62 to move within five shots of the lead.

Adamonis made eagles at the fourth and 16th and had a chance to match Perez's 61 from Wednesday but bogeyed the 18th.

Canadian Mike Weir, the 2003 champion, started the day one shot off the lead after an opening 62 but stumbled to a two-under 70 to fall away.

DJ Trahan, looking to become just the second player to defend this title, carded a 67 and is in a group that includes Weir.

Only Johnny Miller has been able to claim back-to-back titles at the Hope, in 1975 and 1976.

In the past 32 years, only five defending champions have ever posted top-10 finishes in their title defence.

With the impressive start, Perez set a PGA record for the lowest 36-hole score to begin a tournament. He improved on the previous mark by a stroke, a record that was shared by five players including Tiger Woods, who achieved the feat at the 2000 NEC Invitational.

"It doesn't really mean anything. It's nice," Perez said.

"It means you can get hot for two days. I would like to have all kind of records at the end of the week. Three-day, four-day, five-day, you know, trophy, Vegas, booze, all that stuff. That's what I want.

"So two days is nice, but I would really love to be sitting here late Sunday. So that's the goal.

"It's not really a dream, a dream would have been actually shooting in the 50s yesterday like I wanted to.

"But it's just nice. The course is set up for it, the pin placements aren't the hardest and the weather's been perfect."

Baird, meanwhile, revealed he felt his tee shot on the seventh hole, which he aced, was always going to end up close to the pin.

"I knew it was perfect when I hit it, even though I thinned it, because it was just going to be a baby nine-iron," he said.

"And as soon as I hit it I was like, I hit it thin, it was a little right of where I wanted it, it was like, 'whoa, that's going to be really good.' And it took one skip, went behind the hole and spun back into the hole. It's fun to watch.

"If I was going to draw it up that's how would I drew it up."

Baird was also delighted with his second consecutive round of 63.

"I don't care how easy the conditions are or how easy they can set up a golf course, that's a heck of a lot of birdies and you're doing a heck of a lot of things right," he added.

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

(x) denotes amateurs

PGA West Nicklaus Course

124 Pat Perez 61 63

126 Briny Baird 63 63

129 Brad Adamonis 67 62, Derek Fathauer 65 64, Steve Elkington (Aus) 65 64

130 Chris Couch 67 63

131 Bo Van Pelt 66 65, Bubba Watson 62 69

132 Robert Garrigus 67 65, Mike Weir (Can) 62 70, Steve Lowery 67 65, Scott Piercy 66 66, Mark Wilson 66 66

133 Jeff Maggert 66 67, Lucas Glover 65 68

134 Nathan Green (Aus) 69 65, Olin Browne 66 68, Stephen Ames (Can) 71 63

135 Ryan Palmer 70 65, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 68, Mark Brooks 69 66, Alex Cejka (Ger) 68 67

136 Will MacKenzie 70 66, Jason Bohn 66 70

137 Eric Axley 69 68

138 Greg Owen (Eng) 69 69

139 Dustin Johnson 68 71

141 Daniel Chopra (Swe) 72 69

142 Gary Woodland 72 70

143 Peter Tomasulo 73 70, Troy Kelly 73 70, Wes Short jr. 72 71

At Bermuda Dunes GC

128 Chris Stroud 65 63, Jason Dufner 63 65

131 Rich Beem 66 65

132 David Mathis 66 66, D.J. Trahan 65 67

133 Matt Kuchar 66 67, Glen Day 65 68, John Mallinger 66 67

134 Jeff Klauk 67 67, Michael Letzig 66 68, Webb Simpson 68 66

135 Charlie Wi (Kor) 68 67, Bill Lunde 67 68, Brian Gay 65 70

136 Ken Duke 68 68

137 Chad Campbell 66 71, John Senden (Aus) 67 70

138 Charley Hoffman 72 66, Mark Calcavecchia 68 70, Jason Gore 70 68

139 Kevin Na 70 69, Justin Leonard 72 67, Corey Pavin 71 68

140 Robert Gamez 70 70

141 Tommy Armour III 70 71

142 Mike Miles 70 72, Harrison Frazar 72 70

144 Brian Davis (Eng) 72 72, James Oh (Kor) 71 73

145 Lee Janzen 74 71, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 72 73

149 Brad Faxon 77 72

Silver Rock

130 Vaughn Taylor 63 67

132 Steve Stricker 65 67

133 John Merrick 68 65, David Toms 68 65

134 Steve Marino 65 69

135 Bob Estes 66 69, Casey Wittenberg 69 66, Steve Flesch 68 67, Billy Mayfair 68 67, Cameron Beckman 68 67, Tim Clark (Rsa) 66 69

136 Kirk Triplett 67 69

137 Jerry Kelly 66 71, D.A. Points 71 66, Nick Watney 66 71, Colt Knost 69 68, Jeff Quinney 71 66, Tim Petrovic 68 69, Bobby Clampett 70 67

138 Dean Wilson 67 71

139 Billy Andrade 68 71, Michael Allen 68 71, John Huston 6970

140 Greg Chalmers (Aus) 69 71, Scott Verplank 69 71, Fred Couples 68 72

141 James Nitties (Aus) 73 68

142 Jarrod Lyle (Aus) 71 71

143 Joe Ogilvie 70 73, Donnie Hammond 72 71

144 John Rollins 71 73

148 Kris Blanks 70 78

PGA West Palmer Course

127 David Berganio Jnr. 63 64

128 Richard S Johnson (Swe) 63 65, Tom Pernice Jnr. 65 63

131 Kevin Sutherland 64 67, Cliff Kresge 68 63

132 Chris DiMarco 64 68, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 67 65, Heath Slocum 65 67, Chez Reavie 66 66, Peter Lonard (Aus) 65 67

133 Ben Crane 63 70

134 Scott McCarron 66 68, Woody Austin 66 68, Rick Price 64 70

136 Bill Haas 68 68, Brett Quigley 68 68, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 66 70, David Duval 68 68, Todd Hamilton 65 71, Nicholas Thompson 66 70

137 Brendon De Jonge 67 70, Johnson Wagner 70 67, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 65 72

138 Brian Bateman 68 70

139 Joe Durant 73 66

140 Matthew Borchert 69 71, Jonathan Byrd 70 70

141 Bart Bryant 70 71, Notah Begay III 69 72

142 Matt Bettencourt 65 77

143 Tim Herron 71 72

145 Ryan Moore 68 77


PEREZ RETAINS LEAD AFTER STRONG FINISH
Eagles RB Westbrook won’t practice, will start
PEREZ MAKES BLISTERING START

FORM PLEASES WESTWOOD

Lee Westwood is confident another European Tour victory is not far away - and is happy just to be in contention until then.

The Ryder Cup star has not won a tournament in more than 14 months, but there have been a succession of near misses and he is again in the hunt after the first round of the Qatar Masters on Thursday.

After joining Mark James as the second most prolific English winner in European Tour history with wins at the Andalucian Open and British Masters in 2007, last year Westwood produced a consistent but winless season, recording 13 top-10 finishes, including four runners-up spots and a third place at the US Open.

And after carding an opening-round five-under-par 67 at Doha Golf Club yesterday to sit in a group of five only one shot adrift of leaders Henrik Stenson, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Andrew Coltart, the 18-time European Tour winner is right where he likes to be.

"I was in contention every week I teed it up so that gives me confidence to take out on the first tee in every tournament," the 35-year-old said.

"I'd like to win as soon as possible, but I'm not putting pressure on myself. I played great last year and it seems like I've come out and carried on with the same vein of form this year.

"I felt unlucky a few times not to win tournaments; sometimes the luck doesn't go your way, you don't get the breaks, you don't get the up and down on the green and that can be the difference between winning and losing."

The now-slimmer Westwood opted to use his Christmas break after finishing third at the South African Open to concentrate on gym work to boost his strength and flexibility rather than spend time at the driving range.

That, coupled with the fact he was using a brand new set of clubs for the first time in a competitive round, bodes well for his chances of coming out on top this weekend ahead of the all-star field again assembled in Doha.

"I've been practising with them (the clubs) a little bit as far back as August last year, hitting a few balls and getting the feel. But there's no substitute for actually playing a competitive round," he added. "So that was my first competitive round and I'm quite pleased."

Westwood's first round did not catch fire until two late birdies saw him reach the turn in two under after missing four solid birdie chances over his opening six holes.

Three birdies in four holes in the middle of the front nine moved him up the leaderboard before he secured his place only a shot off the pace by saving par at the last following a wayward tee shot, which left him partially unsighted as he clubbed around a bush.

"I have not practised over Christmas, maybe three or four weeks off," he said. "I didn't really know what to expect but I was doing a lot of gym work and that keeps me from going rusty, which I used to when I took time off."


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AMERICAN INVASION PLEASES STENSON

POULTER CLOSING IN ON COMEBACK

Ian Poulter is to wait another two weeks before making his comeback from eye surgery.

The Open runner-up and Ryder Cup star will return at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia, on February 19-22 before flying to Arizona for the Accenture world match play championship starting the following Wednesday.

Poulter missed the events in Abu Dhabi and Qatar after being advised to have the corrective surgery.

"I have been having a problem with my vision in poor light and my doctors advised me that I should have this surgery as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration," he said. "I am relieved that the problem can be corrected."

The successful surgery was carried out last week.


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POULTER RUES POOR START

OLAZABAL WANTS RYDER CAPTAINCY

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy next year, even though all the signs now point to him having to wait until 2012 and Colin Montgomerie taking charge at Celtic Manor.

"He is available. If he is offered the job he will say 'Yes'," the Spaniard's manager, Sergio Gomez, said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Europe's tournament committee will decide the issue in Dubai next Wednesday.

Their discussions began in earnest in Abu Dhabi last week and it was only afterwards that Montgomerie, a member of the committee, emerged as favourite for the first match on Welsh soil.

He had previously indicated he wanted to play again next year and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 for the captaincy.

But he would be 51 then and the mood now appears to be to go for a younger man.

Nick Faldo was 51 last September, while Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, both of whom expressed an interest in the role at Celtic Manor, would be 52.

Olazabal, three years younger than Montgomerie at 42, served as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla but said afterwards that he too wanted to fight for a place on the side next time rather than be captain.

He has played only two events since last May, however, because of continuing problems with rheumatism.

The double Masters champion pulled out of this week's event in Qatar but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely that he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact that it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered.

Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the course how he wanted and used the crowd as "our 13th man".

The 2012 match is at Medinah in Chicago.


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OLAZABAL OUT OF QATAR
Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy next year, even though all the signs now point to him having to wait until 2012 and Colin Montgomerie taking charge at Celtic Manor.

"He is available. If he is offered the job he will say 'Yes'," the Spaniard's manager, Sergio Gomez, said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Europe's tournament committee will decide the issue in Dubai next Wednesday.

Their discussions began in earnest in Abu Dhabi last week and it was only afterwards that Montgomerie, a member of the committee, emerged as favourite for the first match on Welsh soil.

He had previously indicated he wanted to play again next year and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 for the captaincy.

But he would be 51 then and the mood now appears to be to go for a younger man.

Nick Faldo was 51 last September, while Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, both of whom expressed an interest in the role at Celtic Manor, would be 52.

Olazabal, three years younger than Montgomerie at 42, served as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla but said afterwards that he too wanted to fight for a place on the side next time rather than be captain.

He has played only two events since last May, however, because of continuing problems with rheumatism.

The double Masters champion pulled out of this week's event in Qatar but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely that he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact that it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered.

Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the course how he wanted and used the crowd as "our 13th man".

The 2012 match is at Medinah in Chicago.


MONTY IN CAPTAINCY FRAME
OLAZABAL WANTS RYDER CAPTAINCY
Source: Jets to interview Ravens’ Ryan Sunday

COLTART KEEN TO GET BACK ON TRACK

A revitalised Andrew Coltart is back where he wants to be and chasing a second Qatar Masters title after taking a share of the first-round lead alongside Ryder Cup duo Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Last year Coltart was without a tour card and only competed in Doha thanks to winning the inaugural event back in 1998, and trudged off the final green after missing a putt which would have earned him a guaranteed trip to Dubai the following week.

An invite to Dubai and a host of other events did ultimately follow, but this year he is guaranteed around 25 tournaments - eight more than the number of invites he had to scramble for last year - after finishing 14th at the qualifying school in November.

And after a solid performance at the South African Open before Christmas, Coltart joined Stenson and Jimenez in carding opening rounds of 66, six under par, to open up a one-shot lead over Lee Westwood, Robert Dinwiddie, Anders Hansen, Brett Rumford and Louis Oosthuizen.

"My career wasn't really going anywhere expect down," admitted Coltart, 38, a member of the 1999 Ryder Cup team.

"I was on the career money list and not achieving anything out of that category and ended up losing my card last year and had to go back to Tour school.

"I went back and things went pretty well. I was working hard with Colin Brooks back in Edinburgh and I was quite confident going into Tour school and played well and achieved something."

After starting on the back nine at the familiar Doha Golf Club, Coltart reached the turn in four under, courtesy mainly of an eagle two after driving the 16th green.

And despite dropping his only shot at the sixth after three putts, three further birdies kept the Scot in the hunt.

"Losing the card and doing the media work really hit home this is where I still want to be while I'm still strong enough and fit enough to compete. I want to be out here and I hope to stay here for several more years," he added.

"Since I got my card back there is self worth in that. When you're just hanging on, with an iffy category, it wasn't nice asking for invites but I was very fortunate with the invites I received."

Dubai-based Stenson, the 2006 Qatar champion who finished runner-up last year, missed the cut in Abu Dhabi last week but more hard work on the driving range paid off.

"I had a good session on the range in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and that's about it," said the world number 11.

"I've been working away on the swing and that was the problem in Abu Dhabi. I've been struggling with my tee balls for quite some time but got it a bit more under control, and even had the driver out on a few occasions.

"You are always only a couple of shots away from a good score and you can quickly turn it around over a week or so.

"I wouldn't say I'm shocked with how I played but I am happy to start the tournament the way I did."


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TRIO LEAD THE WAY IN DOHA

TRIO LEAD THE WAY IN DOHA

Former champions Henrik Stenson and Andrew Coltart share a slender one-stroke lead at the Qatar Masters with Miguel Angel Jimenez after the opening round in Doha.

World number 11 Stenson, the runner-up last year following his 2006 triumph, took advantage of calmer morning conditions to set the pace with a six-under-par 66.

Inaugural Qatar champion Coltart, fresh from winning back his Tour card at Q-School, and a bogey-free Jimenez were able to match the Swede as they tamed the windy afternoon conditions at the traditionally-testing Doha Golf Club.

The Spanish Ryder Cup player, who was battling a thumb injury suffered while skiing - which was restricting his driving, had a chance to claim the outright overnight lead but missed an eight-foot birdie putt at the last.

English duo Lee Westwood and Robert Dinwiddie, Joburg Open winner Anders Hansen, Australia's Brett Rumford and Abu Dhabi runner-up Louis Oosthuizen share fourth place at five under.

After missing the cut last week in Abu Dhabi, Dubai resident Stenson picked up four shots in eight holes around the turn to make his move before finishing with back-to-back birdies.

"I maybe didn't play my best, but I took my chances and I was putting really well. It comes down to the putting and I made some good 10-15 footers," said the 32-year-old.

"It wasn't the start I hoped for last week, but there is always going to be a couple of bad ones in a season, but obviously I am happy to be in this position and going forward.

"It's a course I really enjoy playing. I think it's the ninth time coming to Qatar so I have a fair idea how to play the course."

After starting on the back nine, Coltart reached the turn in four under courtesy of an eagle two after driving the 16th.

And despite dropping his only shot at the sixth after three-putting the green, three birdies - including one at the last - kept the Scot at the top of the leaderboard.

"I have good memories in Qatar. I have managed to make the odd birdie around this course but I have also had the odd disaster when it has been pretty windy," said Coltart.

"The eagle at 16 was the highlight as I was able to drive the green to 10 feet and hole the putt. I had a good birdie at 12, which was a 25-footer across the green. I was also giving myself the birdie chances; there were four more inside 10 feet, which was quite pleasing as the wind was getting quite tricky."

Adam Scott's title defence did not get off to the best start as the Australian world number 14 signed for a one-over 73, although he had been unable to practise on Wednesday after his clubs were delayed in transit.

Collated first round scores in the European Tour Commercialbank Qatar Masters Presented by Dolphin Energy, Doha GC, Doha, Qatar

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par: 72):

66 Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa), Andrew Coltart, Henrik Stenson (Swe)

67 Brett Rumford (Aus), Anders Hansen (Den), Robert Dinwiddie, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa), Lee Westwood

68 Robert Karlsson (Swe), Aaron Baddeley (Aus), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Nick Dougherty, Maarten Lafeber (Ned), Paul Broadhurst

69 Damien McGrane, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Oliver Wilson, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Alvaro Quiros (Spa), Retief Goosen (Rsa), Chapchai Nirat (Tha), Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa)

70 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind), Rodney Pampling (Aus), Sergio Garcia (Spa), David Lynn, Andrew McLardy (Rsa), Seve Benson, Magnus A Carlsson (Swe), Anthony Wall, Stephen Dodd, Thomas Bjorn (Den), David Dixon, Ernie Els (Rsa), Niclas Fasth (Swe), Jamie Donaldson, Markus Brier (Aut)

71 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned), Mikko Ilonen (Fin), Ross Fisher, Martin Kaymer (Ger), Oliver Fisher, Gregory Havret (Fra), Anton Haig (Rsa), David Howell, Colin Montgomerie, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Gary Murphy, Phillip Archer, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra), Emanuele Canonica (Ita), Thomas Levet (Fra), Jyoti Randhawa (Ind)

72 Francesco Molinari (Ita), Mikael Lundberg (Swe), Soren Hansen (Den), Soren Kjeldsen (Den), Peter Lawrie, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors (Swe), Graeme Storm, Peter Hanson (Swe), Alexander Noren (Swe), Prayad Marksaeng (Tha), Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra), Steve Webster, Shiv Kapur (Ind), Marcel Siem (Ger), Scott Strange (Aus), Mark Brown (USA), Rolf Muntz (Ned), Stephen Gallacher, Paul Lawrie, Brandt Snedeker (USA)

73 Hennie Otto (Rsa), Adam Scott (Aus), Joakim Haeggman (Swe), Danny Willett, Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den), Darren Clarke, John Bickerton, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa), Richard Finch, Richard Green (Aus), Gregory Bourdy (Fra), Mark Foster, Ross McGowan

74 James Kingston (Rsa), Per-Ulrik Johansson (Swe), Pelle Edberg (Swe), Felipe Aguilar (Chi), Daniel Vancsik (Arg), Justin Rose, Boo Weekley (USA), Ignacio Garrido (Spa), Bradley Dredge

75 Scott Drummond, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg), Kenneth Ferrie, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia (Ind), Jose Manuel Lara (Spa), Lee Slattery, Alastair Forsyth, Pablo Martin (Spa)

76 Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy, Alvaro Velasco (Spa), Martin Erlandsson (Swe), Michael Jonzon (Swe), Paul McGinley, Thongchai Jaidee (Tha)

77 Christian Cevaer (Fra), Rafael Echenique (Arg), Ariel Canete (Arg), Simon Hurd

78 Gary Orr, Miles Tunnicliff, Simon Wakefield

81 Max Williams

RTD: Michael Campbell (Nzl)


Bills sign OT Scott; LT Peters misses practice
COLTART KEEN TO GET BACK ON TRACK

STENSON SETS THE EARLY TARGET

Former champion Henrik Stenson bounced back from missing the cut last week to card an opening six-under-par 66 and open up a one-stroke lead at the Qatar Masters.

Dubai resident Stenson, who was runner-up last year following his 2006 triumph at Doha Golf Club, picked up four shots in eight holes around the turn to make his move before finishing with back-to-back birdies.

Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood signed for a bogey-free 67 alongside Dane Anders Hansen.

South African Louis Oosthuizen, runner-up in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, and Australia's Brett Rumford were also five under and a shot clear of Aaron Baddeley, Robert Karlsson and Jarmo Sandelin.

Another former champion, Retief Goosen, was five under after 13 holes but recorded back-to-back bogeys and was forced to settle for a three-under 69 alongside Oliver Wilson and early pacesetter Peter Hedblom.

"I maybe didn't play my best but I took my chances and I was putting really well. It comes down to the putting and I made some good 10-15 footers," said Stenson.

"It wasn't the start I hoped for last week but there are always going to be a couple of bad ones in a season and obviously I am happy to be in this position and going forward.

"It's a course I really enjoy playing. I think it's the ninth time coming to Qatar so I have a fair idea how to play the course."

Westwood, 35, was delighted with a 67 achieved with his first competitive round with an entire new set of clubs.

After missing four solid birdie chances over his opening six holes after starting from the 10th, Westwood's round finally came alive with two quick birdies to reach the turn at two under.

Three birdies in four holes in the middle of the front nine moved him up the leaderboard before he secured his place just a shot off the pace by saving par at the last following a wayward tee shot.

"I have not practised over Christmas, taking maybe three or four weeks off," he said.

"I didn't really know what to expect but I was doing a lot of gym work and that keeps me from going rusty like I used to when I took time off."


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STENSON IN COMPLETE CONTROL

PETER GETS A-HED

Peter Hedblom set the early pace this morning at the Qatar Masters as the Swede reached the turn of his first round four under par and a shot clear of compatriot Henrik Stenson, Dane Anders Hansen and former champion Retief Goosen.

Hedblom, who missed the halfway cut in Abu Dhabi last week, reeled off four birdies over the final six holes of his front nine at Qatar Golf Club.

Starting on the back nine Stenson, looking to build on his second place finish behind Adam Scott in Doha last year, picked up three shots around the turn, while Hansen played a bogey-free back nine.

South African Goosen missed out on the defence of his 2007 Pearl trophy after being forced to withdraw last year with an eye complaint, but continued his form which saw him win the Africa Open last weekend with a flawless back nine in calm conditions this morning.

The winners of last year's orders of merit in Europe and Asia, Sweden's Robert Karlsson and India's Jeev Milka Singh, headlined a congested group at two-under alongside English Ryder Cup duo Lee Westwood and Oliver Wilson.


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STENSON IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

GOOSEN PUMPED UP FOR 'DEFENCE'

Former Qatar Masters champion Retief Goosen has some unfinished business to take care of when the Doha event gets under way.

Last year the South African was unable to defend the title he dramatically won in 2007 because an eye complaint forced him to withdraw.

But this time the 39-year-old will take his place in the strongest ever regular European Tour field fresh from Sunday's Africa Open victory and feeling the best he has in five years thanks to a new fitness regime.

"It's nice to be back," Goosen said. "I am looking forward to the week and to sort of defend my title.

"It definitely has a feeling of a title defence and it would be nice to give myself a chance on Sunday."

World number 40 Goosen is keen to improve his ranking which stood at 28 before last year's Qatar Masters, following an indifferent 2007 during which he dropped out of the world's top 20.

The two-time US Open winner had not won since claiming the 2007 Qatar Masters crown until he roared from behind in the final round to win November's Johor Open and end a 20-month winless streak.

And after a near miss at the Joburg Open at the start of this year, he landed his 37th professional victory at East London Golf Club four days ago by a single stroke following a final-round seven-under-par 65.

"I am fairly well prepared and hopefully the week will go well and I will make some putts," added Goosen.

"I like the course, the course is in great shape, I know it very well and I feel comfortable around it."

World number two Sergio Garcia headlines the field which contains 17 of the world's top 50 players and also includes defending champion Adam Scott, Robert Karlsson, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els, Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey and Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley.

Spaniard Garcia, 29, claimed an eighth-place finish in Abu Dhabi last week but knows he faces a tougher test in Qatar with the notorious wind at Doha Golf Club presenting new problems.

"It's the type of course you have to be very patient with when the wind comes around because some holes are playing soft and then you're going to have some birdie holes," said the Race to Dubai leader.

"And with the greens being very firm and a good speed, it will be a very good test.

"I had a good weekend last week. I feel like my game is coming along and I am looking forward to getting off to a good start this week to have a solid chance of winning.

"Last week I wasn't happy with the first few days, but I was able to find my game over the weekend and finish inside the top 10.

"I'm looking forward to keeping the same direction and hopefully having four good days and a good chance on Sunday."


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GOOSEN SURGES TO WIN

PEREZ MAKES BLISTERING START

Pat Perez fired an 11-under-par 61 to grab a one-shot lead after the first round of the Bob Hope Classic.

A superb 28 on his first nine holes helped catapult Perez to the top of the leaderboard and a one-stroke advantage over Mike Weir and Bubba Watson.

Perez, who never has won on the PGA Tour, had 10 birdies and an eagle on the Palmer course. He had six birdies and an eagle on his opening nine and appeared poised to make a run at the tour record of 59 until his lone bogey at number five (his 14th hole) stemmed his momentum.

Weir, the champion here in 2003, used a blazing finish on the Palmer course to vault into the early lead before he was overtaken by Perez.

The Canadian had three birdies and an eagle in the final five holes en route to his 62. Weir shot a 30 on the back nine.

Vaughn Taylor, Briny Baird and Ben Crane were part of a six-man group at nine-under.

Defending champion DJ Trahan was among a cluster at seven-under 65. He is looking to become just the second player to defend the title at this event.

Par took a beating as 60 players shot 67 or better and only 15 players failed to shoot in red numbers.

The 90-hole event will be played on four courses and features a first prize of US 918,000.

Trahan is coming off his best season on the PGA Tour. He earned US 2.3 million in 2008, which is more than twice as much as he made in any of his previous three seasons on tour.

Only Johnny Miller has been able to win back-to-back titles at the Hope (1975 and 1976). In the past 32 years, only five defending champions have even posted top-10 finishes in their title defence.

Last season, Trahan finished at 26-under-par and posted a three-stroke victory over Justin Leonard.

World number eight Anthony Kim was the highest-ranked player in the field, but a shoulder injury caused the American to withdraw on Tuesday.

Collated first round scores

(USA unless stated, par 72):

(x) denotes amateurs

At PGA West Nicklaus Course

63 Ben Crane, Richard S Johnson (Swe), David Berganio Jnr.

64 Chris DiMarco, Kevin Sutherland, Rick Price

65 Todd Hamilton, Heath Slocum, Matt

Bettencourt, Tom Pernice Jnr., Tim Wilkinson (Nzl), Peter Lonard (Aus)

66 Scott McCarron, Mathew Goggin (Aus), Woody Austin, Nicholas Thompson, Chez Reavie

67 Brendon De Jonge, Ryuji Imada (Jpn)

68 Brett Quigley, Bill Haas, David Duval, Cliff Kresge, Brian Bateman, Ryan Moore

69 Notah Begay III, Matthew Borchert

70 Bart Bryant, Jonathan Byrd, Johnson Wagner

71 Tim Herron

73 Joe Durant

At Bermuda Dunes GC

63 Vaughn Taylor

65 Steve Stricker, Steve Marino

66 Nick Watney, Jerry Kelly, Bob Estes, Tim Clark (Rsa)

67 Dean Wilson, Kirk Triplett

68 John Merrick, Steve Flesch, Billy Mayfair, David Toms, Fred Couples, Billy Andrade, Michael Allen, Tim Petrovic, Cameron Beckman

69 Colt Knost, Casey Wittenberg, Greg Chalmers (Aus), John Huston, Scott Verplank

70 Kris Blanks, Joe Ogilvie, Bobby Clampett

71 D.A. Points, John Rollins, Jarrod Lyle (Aus), Jeff Quinney

72 Donnie Hammond

73 James Nitties (Aus)

At SilverRock

63 Jason Dufner

65 Chris Stroud, Brian Gay, Glen Day, D.J. Trahan

66 Chad Campbell, Michael Letzig, Rich Beem, David Mathis, Matt Kuchar, John Mallinger

67 Jeff Klauk, Bill Lunde, John Senden (Aus)

68 Charlie Wi (Kor), Mark Calcavecchia, Ken Duke, Webb Simpson

70 Robert Gamez, Kevin Na, Mike Miles, Jason Gore, Tommy Armour III

71 Corey Pavin, James Oh (Kor)

72 Brian Davis (Eng), Charley Hoffman, Justin Leonard, Harrison Frazar, Jesper Parnevik (Swe)

74 Lee Janzen

77 Brad Faxon

PGA West Palmer Course

61 Pat Perez

62 Mike Weir (Can), Bubba Watson

63 Briny Baird

65 Derek Fathauer, Lucas Glover, Steve Elkington (Aus)

66 Jeff Maggert, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Piercy, Olin Browne, Jason Bohn, Mark Wilson

67 Brad Adamonis, Robert Garrigus, Steve Lowery, Martin Laird (Sco), Chris Couch

68 Dustin Johnson, Alex Cejka (Ger)

69 Nathan Green (Aus), Eric Axley, Greg Owen (Eng), Mark Brooks

70 Will MacKenzie, Ryan Palmer

71 Stephen Ames (Can)

72 Daniel Chopra (Swe), Gary Woodland, Wes Short jr.

73 Peter Tomasulo, Troy Kelly


Source: Jets to interview Ravens’ Ryan Sunday
JOHNSON LEADS BY ONE AT SONY OPEN

UPBEAT SEVE RECOVERING SLOWLY

Seve Ballesteros has revealed he feels better "day after day" as he prepares for a second course of chemotherapy.

Ballesteros underwent four operations to remove a brain tumour after being admitted to hospital in October last year when he fainted at Madrid airport.

The five-time major winner had tests at La Paz Hospital last week to check on the progress of his recovery.

"Fortunately the results were quite good," Ballesteros said today in a statement on his personal website.

"This Friday I shall begin my second chemotherapy course, which I hope and wish will be as effective as the first one.

"I am very motivated and working hard, although I am aware that my recovery will be slow and therefore I need to be patient and have a lot of determination.

"For these reasons I am following strictly all the indications that the doctors are giving me.

"Besides, the physiotherapists are doing a great job on me as I feel better day after day."

Ballesteros said he continues to receive hundreds of messages of support from people and added: "I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and energy that is coming to me from all over the world and which is proving so good."


CHEMOTHERAPY STARTS FOR SEVE
Jags’ Jones to serve 3-game ban as appeal fails
PADRAIG: MAKE SEVE AN AMBASSADOR

MISSING CLUBS HINDER CHAMPION SCOTT

Defending Qatar Masters champion Adam Scott will be looking to maintain his 100% record at Doha Golf Club without any practice this week after his clubs were lost in transit from Hawaii.

The Australian will be up against the strongest field assembled for a regular European Tour event.

Last year Scott produced a scintillating course record 11-under-par 61 in the final round to claim a second Pearl trophy following his 2002 victory.

The world number 14 heads to Doha in form after finishing second behind Zach Johnson in the Sony Open in Hawaii last week.

However his clubs failed to follow him on the 22-hour trip, meaning he was unable to take part in today's pro-am, and he was hoping they would arrive before Thursday mornings tee-off time.

"I walked the course, it's in great condition, a little more lush than last year but it was nice to get out there again," Scott said.

"There are a lot of good memories from the last time I went around it. It's good to be back defending and keep this run going in Qatar.

"When I have been to Qatar I have played well and when I play well I generally drive the ball well, and I think you need to drive the ball well as it's a lengthy course.

"The tee shots suit my eyes so I hit a lot of fairways which gives me a lot of chances, so if I can make some putts I am going to be up there."

Scott was delighted with his putting in Hawaii although he was using a new one-off custom putter which was also lost after leaving San Francisco.

A replacement set of clubs is also being sent from suppliers in the UK as a precaution, and with both sets expected to arrive this evening, Scott remained upbeat and insists he is fresh despite his journey to the Middle East.

World number two Sergio Garcia headlines the strong line-up which contains 18 of the world's top 50 and betters the field assembled at the 2002 Scottish Open.

Garcia is also confident about his chances following his eighth-place finish last week in Abu Dhabi, although the Spaniard is looking to continue his form from the weekend after struggling to fire over his opening two rounds.

"The field this week shows the strength of the European players," he said.

"When we used to have two or three Europeans in the top 10 in the world rankings, we now have five or six so I think it's great.

"It's great for the tournament and it's great for the tour, hopefully we will put on a good show this week."

The 29-year-old claimed the world number two spot following his HSBC Champions win in November.

He added: "I feel like my game is coming along and I am looking forward to getting off to a good start this week to have a good, solid chance of winning.

"I was pleased with the weekend last week, I wasn't happy with the first few days, but I was able to find my game over the weekend and finish inside the top 10.

"I'm looking forward to keeping the same direction and hopefully have four good days and have a good chance on Sunday."

American Ryder Cup player Boo Weekley, who recently took up European Tour membership, faces nine of the 12 Europeans he helped beat at Valhalla including Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey.

Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer and Africa Open winner Retief Goosen also feature at the 2.5million US dollar event.


Bills LT Peters doubtful for Pats with knee injury
Bills sign OT Scott; LT Peters misses practice
ELS EYES RETURN TO FORM

HEADLINE STAR KIM OUT OF BOB HOPE

Anthony Kim has withdrawn from this week's Bob Hope Classic due to a shoulder injury, tournament organisers announced on Tuesday.

The world No.8 and highest-ranked player entered for the event finished tied for second at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship earlier this month.

He won twice on the PGA Tour last season and posted eight top-10 finishes.

Kim finished third at last year's tournament here in La Quinta where he grew up, four shots behind winner DJ Trahan who will look to defend his title at the 50th edition of the event.

"I had so many friends and family coming to watch,'' Kim said in a statement.

"We don't consider my shoulder to be anything too serious, and I don't expect to miss extended time, but it is important to be cautious with it at this early stage in the season.''


SORENSTAM SET FOR FAREWELL
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SWEDE SUCCESS FOR DUO
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AMERICAN INVASION PLEASES STENSON

Henrik Stenson has welcomed the influx of American players on to the European Tour following the introduction of the lucrative Race to Dubai.

Anthony Kim joined the tour prior to last November's HSBC Champions, while fellow Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley will play at this week's Qatar Masters after taking up membership last week and Brandt Snedeker is set to sign before tee-off in Doha on Thursday.

Former US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Snedeker, 28, finished third at the Masters and ninth at the US Open last year after claiming his maiden Tour title at the Wyndham Championship in 2007.

"It was definitely one of the thoughts when they launched the Race to Dubai, to try to attract stronger fields to tournaments and to the Tour in general," said Stenson, the world number 11.

"Obviously the Race to Dubai has done that and I am delighted to see more of the American tour players coming over to play in Europe.

"I see them on a regular basis when I'm competing in America but it's developing perfectly for everyone to play against the best fields now on a weekly basis."

The Race to Dubai and season-ending Dubai World Championship, which have a total prize pool of US dollars 20million (Ј11.25million), are designed to rival the FedEx Cup Series in America.

Players must take part in 12 tournaments to qualify although that breaks down to five regular events as the four majors and three World Golf Championship events count towards the total.

Last year Stenson finished seventh on the Order of Merit, which was replaced by the Race to Dubai, after recording nine top-10 finishes, including a share of third at The Open at Royal Birkdale.

The 32-year-old Swede is 14th in the Race to Dubai, which is led by world number two Sergio Garcia.

This week's Qatar Masters sees 18 players from the world's top 50 teeing off at Doha Golf Club on Thursday, including defending champion Adam Scott, Garcia, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Justin Rose.

"The biggest benefit as players is that we get to play against stronger fields in Europe and on the Race to Dubai schedule," added Stenson, who missed the cut at last week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

"It's going to mean not only more world ranking points but bigger interest around the world in our events and that can only be good for the European Tour."

Meanwhile, Oliver Wilson is confident of overcoming the star-studded field to claim a maiden European Tour victory.

The 28-year-old was disappointed with his 37th-place finish at last week's Abu Dhabi Championship, which followed an agonising second in a high-class field at the HSBC Champions and sixth at the Hong Kong Open at the end of 2008.

"The field is one of the strongest ever assembled on the European Tour and one which would be great to play well at," Wilson told his website, www.oliver-wilson.com.

"I am feeling good physically and hopefully after a couple of good practice days I will be back to business, trying to win that elusive maiden victory."


WOOD INVITED TO DUBAI
Ravens’ Rolle likely out; Suggs game-time call

GARCIA MAKES INTENTIONS CLEAR

Sergio Garcia could be less than two months from knocking Tiger Woods off top spot in the world rankings, but starting his 2009 campaign in Abu Dhabi the Spanish star made no secret of what remains his number one target.

"Of course I have a chance (to relegate the injured Woods to second place), but it's not something that's do-or-die for me," said Garcia, who celebrated his 29th birthday last Friday.

"Winning a major has always been a goal for me, so I guess that's probably the only place where I'll set any kind of a goal.

"Other than that, I'll try to play as well as I can at any tournament. If I became the number one nothing is going to change for me."

Up to second by virtue of winning the HSBC Champions title in Shanghai in November - and leader of the European Tour's new "Race To Dubai" money list - Garcia has seen a host of chances to break his major duck come and go.

Back in 1999, just four months into his professional career, he was runner-up to Woods at the USPGA, an event remembered more than anything for his eyes-closed recovery from the base of a tree on the 16th hole at Medinah.

Eleven more top-10 finishes were to come before he stood on the final tee at Carnoustie with a one-stroke lead over Padraig Harrington two years ago.

He bogeyed the hole, though, and lost the play-off, then last August was denied again by his Ryder Cup team-mate at the USPGA Championship.

Harrington, winner of golf's last two majors and three of the last six, is also in Dubai and while he can also catch Woods on the rankings before the American returns to action, getting his game right for The Masters in April is the primary target.

"I'm trying to focus on the process and I do believe I'll be a better player this year," said the Irishman.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that my results will be better, but over time it will even itself out, so I'm comfortable that things are going on the right track.

Current Masters champion Trevor Immelman is another in the Middle East, although jetlag is more of an issue for the South African as he was in Hawaii last week.

"The key for me is that I now know that when I play my best golf, it's good enough to win the biggest tournaments," he said. "That is definitely a confidence boost for me."


HARRINGTON IS THE OPPOSITE TO GARCIA
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HARRINGTON EAGER TO IMPROVE

Padraig Harrington has issued a subtle warning to his rivals by claiming that he will be "a better player" this season.

The Irishman won two majors last year - the Open and the US PGA Championship - and finished second on the European Tour Order of Merit, but on the eve of his first tournament in 2009, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, he is targeting even more improvement.

"I am in a better position to manage my injuries," Harrington, who battled a wrist injury to triumph at Royal Birkdale last July, told the European Tour's website.

"I do believe I'll be a better player this year. Obviously last year was such a good year. It would be hard to set goals based on last year so I'm trying to focus on the process and just trying to improve my game.

"I worked out a lot during the break, not only on my game and in the gym, but also with my psyche."

Harrington is expecting to be a little rusty in the United Arab Emirates this week though, having not played a competitive round since November, and is not setting high targets.

"I would say I'm more hopeful than expecting because of the fact that it's the start of the year," he added.

"You are a little bit raw in terms of your scoring ability and that really determines whether you win or not during the week.

"I'm looking forward to the week. It's a tough golf course but I like it. The rough is very heavy. It's all brushed in off the tee so you have to hit it very straight off the tee which for the first week out just seems a little bit difficult."

Like Harrington, Sergio Garcia was another player to capitalise on the absence of world number one Tiger Woods last year to reinforce his credentials as one the game's best players.

A maiden major title yet again eluded him - he was runner-up at the PGA Championship -

but he was in impressive form in Europe and the United States, and kicked off this season's inaugural Race to Dubai with victory at the HSBC Champions in November.

"This is going to be an important year for me and I'm looking forward to getting into a good rhythm and get some good emotions in these next three weeks," said the Spaniard.

Garcia is arguably the most likely candidate to topple Woods at the top of the world rankings, but he says winning a major remains a far more important goal.

"Of course I have a chance (to be world number one)," he said. "It could happen if I get going the right way and play very well. But it's not something that's do or die for me.

"Winning a major has always been a goal for me. So I guess that's probably the only place where I'll set any kind of a goal and try to get on that. Other than that, I'll try to play as well as I can at any tournament and try to win it if I have the chance.

"If I became the number one nothing is going to change for me."


HARRINGTON WINS SHOT OF THE YEAR
Ravens’ Rolle likely out; Suggs game-time call
HARRINGTON IS THE OPPOSITE TO GARCIA

CASEY CLINGS ON TO END DROUGHT

Paul Casey gave a huge sigh of relief after clinging on for his first victory in two years.

Coasting to victory, or so it seemed, when he led the Abu Dhabi Championship by six with only eight holes to play, Casey then bogeyed three of the next four.

Although he was not looking at leaderboards and did not know it, up ahead of him South African Louis Oosthuizen posted an eight-under-par 64 and suddenly the gap was only one.

However, the 31-year-old Ryder Cup star, whose last win came in the same event at the start of 2007, parred the closing stretch for a 70 and took the Ј217,153 first prize with a 21-under total of 267.

Having slipped from 12th in the world to outside the top 40, the ninth European Tour title of his career should take Casey close to the top 20 again.

"That was a bit of a nervous one," admitted the former World Match Play champion.

"I started off great, but it was tricky coming in. The greens were exceptionally difficult to read and there were a couple of camera clicks which put me off.

"It feels very satisfying to get my hands on the trophy again.

"I didn't think I would have to wait so long. My game is now better than it's ever been and I've played some great stuff in spurts, but I've never really put it together.

"I've been focused very much on the majors, and performed well, and maybe neglected other tournaments. That's what I'm trying to do and it looks like it's paying off."

Defending champion Martin Kaymer tied for second with Oosthuizen thanks to an eagle on the 557-yard last, and that could be enough to take the 24-year-old German into the world's top 20 for the first time.

Londoner Anthony Wall was fourth and joint fifth came Open and US PGA champion Padraig Harrington, Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy and Swede Johan Edfors, while Sergio Garcia's 64 lifted him into a tie for eighth with England's Danny Willett.

Collated final round scores & totals

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

267 Paul Casey 69 65 63 70

268 Martin Kaymer (Ger) 68 68 65 67, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 67 69 68 64

270 Anthony Wall 67 67 69 67

271 Rory McIlroy 66 69 71 65, Johan Edfors (Swe) 66 69 69 67, Padraig Harrington 71 66 68 66

272 Sergio Garcia (Spa) 70 71 67 64, Danny Willett 71 66 68 67

273 Peter Hanson (Swe) 67 71 66 69, Francesco Molinari (Ita) 67 69 71 66, Bradley Dredge 71 69 66 67

274 Phillip Archer 71 71 67 65, Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) 69 70 69 66

275 Anders Hansen (Den) 70 67 69 69, Robert Allenby (Aus) 71 68 69 67, Soren Hansen (Den) 71 66 71 67, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 68 69 69 69, Graeme Storm 69 64 69 73

276 Brett Rumford (Aus) 68 67 71 70, Stephen Gallacher 74 66 65 71, Paul Lawrie 73 70 68 65, Gary Murphy 69 72 69 66, Mark Foster 70 69 68 69, Peter Lawrie 73 70 69 64

277 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 74 67 70 66, Marc Warren 70 69 70 68, Richard Green (Aus) 68 65 76 68, Pelle Edberg (Swe) 72 67 67 71, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 71 70 67 69, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 69 71 70 67

278 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 68 72 69 69, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra) 68 72 72 66, Simon Dyson 71 68 69 70

279 Danny Lee (Nzl) 68 70 73 68, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg) 72 67 69 71

280 Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 72 71 67, Ross Fisher 75 67 70 68, Colin Montgomerie 72 67 70 71, Oliver Wilson 69 71 70 70, Oliver Fisher 67 69 69 75

281 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 66 69 73 73, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 67 75 69 70, Alastair Forsyth 75 66 69 71, Mark Brown (USA) 72 69 70 70, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 71 69 72 69

282 Damien McGrane 70 72 70 70, Robert Rock 67 75 71 69, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 74 69 72 67

283 Scott Strange (Aus) 73 66 72 72, Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 68 70 72 73, Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 72 69 71 71, Jamie Donaldson 69 72 71 71, Chapchai Nirat (Tha) 70 72 71 70, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 67 70 73 73, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 71 71 71 70, Thomas Levet (Fra) 69 74 71 69

284 David Dixon 70 69 73 72

285 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 72 71 75 67, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 73 66 73 73, Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 72 69 71 73

286 Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 72 71 73 70, Gary Orr 75 68 72 71, Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 71 71 75 69, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 72 70 77 67, Simon Wakefield 71 72 71 72

287 Paul McGinley 69 73 74 71

288 David Drysdale 72 70 74 72, Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den) 72 71 72 73

289 Nick Dougherty 74 69 74 72

290 Chinarat Phadungsil (Tha) 72 70 72 76

291 Daniel Vancsik (Arg) 72 69 78 72, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 73 69 73 76


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CASEY CLOSE TO TOP 20
REINVIGORATED CASEY BACK ON TRACK

CHAMPION FACES TOUGH FIELD

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell will have to finish ahead of Ernie Els and Lee Westwood if he is to successfully defend his Ballantine's Championship title in South Korea in April.

McDowell won the inaugural event last March in a memorable year which included his fourth European Tour title at the Barclays Scottish Open and his Ryder Cup debut in Valhalla.

The 29-year-old from Portrush returns to Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island determined to triumph again.

"I'll be doing my very best to mount a successful title defence," he said.

"Winning the 2008 Ballantine's Championship was an unforgettable moment in my career and also the start of a brilliant year for me.

"I have some wonderful memories of my week at Pinx Golf Club and I'm thrilled to be returning as defending champion."

Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Fred Couples of the United States are also set to play in the co-sanctioned European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA event, which takes place from April 23-26.


LOFTY WOOD AIMING HIGH
HARRINGTON WINS SHOT OF THE YEAR
For Florida, Harvin, not Spikes, will enter draft
Hearing delayed for accused in Williams’ death

EUROPE DELAY NAMING CAPTAIN

The Ryder Cup committee met for almost four hours tonight but still could not decide who will captain the European team in 2010.

The committee will meet again in Dubai on Monday January 28 and plan to announce their choice the following day.

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal and Britons Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle are the frontrunners to lead Europe at Wales' Celtic Manor in 20 months' time, where they will want to regain the trophy they lost this year in the United States.

They now plan to make a final decision in Dubai at the end of the month.


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MONTY BACKING FOR LYLE
NO RUSH OVER CUP CAPTAINCY
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SCOTT ON AN UPWARD CURVE

Adam Scott's career is on the rise again as he goes into his defence of the Qatar Masters this week - and more and more people are wondering how much American actress Kate Hudson has to do with that.

A closing 64 gave the 28-year-old Australian a share of second place at the Sony Open in Hawaii, following which he set off on a "killer" journey to the Middle East which involved stops in San Francisco and Dubai.

Scott's best performance since he won the Byron Nelson Championship in Texas last April came after he and Golden Globe winner Hudson, daughter of Goldie Hawn, were photographed together on a beach on the island of Maui.

"I'm not here with her, but I know Kate," he said.

Six wins both in Europe and America have not yet led to any major success for the world number 14, but he said going into this season: "Something got me inspired to just work a little bit harder again."

Asked to elaborate Scott replied: "I'm going to keep that to myself, actually, for the moment."

But he did say: "I think I've done well, but I think I could have achieved more. Last year was a frustrating year for me - it was the first time in my career that I had really struggled and it wasn't even really struggling on the course.

"It was more just a bit of a struggle with everything else going on. Injury, illness, some personal stuff."

The illness was recurring tonsilitis and the "stuff" was that he broke up with his long-time girlfriend.

"It was probably the first time there was a bump in the road for me. My career had just cruised along nicely.

"It was good to learn a lot and a few things have certainly motivated me a hell of a lot more in the last couple of weeks."

Scott won in Qatar with a phenomenal course record 61 in the final round 12 months ago - his second victory in two trips to the event.

That took him to fourth in the world, but after the victory in the States the second half of the season was a big disappointment and the year ended with him out of action after he dislocated his right kneecap running out of the water while surfing.

It was the sixth time he had suffered the problem.

"I just have really hyper-mobile kneecaps and obviously I have to be quite careful.

"The first time was in high school playing basketball and the problem is that there are six different surgeries they can do and a different doctor will recommend a different one. There's no foolproof fix for it.

"As long as it doesn't affect me playing golf I can get by. I don't really want to go in and have surgery and, like, change my leg if that could possibly change the way I play golf.

"So I'll try and last as long as I can without going under the knife. I haven't had a problem with surfing and that's something I love to do, but maybe I'll have to cut out things like skiing and tennis and anything that involves me running around."

After this week he is taking a month off in the hope that his knee will then be back to 100% for the countdown to the Masters in April.


SCOTT OUT TO SHINE IN 2009
Bills sign OT Scott; LT Peters misses practice

WOOD INVITED TO DUBAI

Chris Wood, the 21-year-old from Bristol who finished fifth at The Open last year, has received a sponsor's invite to next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

Wood turned professional after his Birkdale heroics and in November came through the European Tour qualifying school, also in fifth place.

He has already finished 10th in the Portugal Masters and sixth in the South African Open.

John Daly, currently serving a US Tour ban, and fellow American Mark O'Meara - a former winner of the title - have also been invited to play next week.


LOFTY WOOD AIMING HIGH
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REINVIGORATED CASEY BACK ON TRACK

Paul Casey makes the short journey from Abu Dhabi to Qatar this week determined to build on his stunning start to the year.

Padraig Harrington thought 12 under par had a chance to win the opening event of the European Tour's three-week Middle East swing, but Casey took the title with a tournament-record 21 under.

It was a close-run thing in the end, though, as the newly-wed Ryder Cup star went from six clear with eight holes remaining to just one in front standing on the 15th tee.

Parring the final four gave Casey his first victory for two years - since the same event in 2007 - by one from defending champion Martin Kaymer and South African Louis Oosthuizen.

"I stumbled a bit, but got the job done," the 31-year-old said before looking ahead.

"I've probably got longer than 10 years, but I am going to give myself until I am 40 or 41 to really try to achieve my goals, which are laid out.

"My foot is flat to the floor. I can't be messing around - I have to approach every tournament with as much intensity as possible."

Back in 2003 when his third Tour victory came in the Benson and Hedes International at The Belfry, Casey made no secret of the fact that his target was to win each of the majors.

It looked a lofty ambition then and six years on his best performance in any of the big four events remains his sixth place in the 2004 Masters.

He has not made it into the world's top 10 yet either, but after sliding from 12th to outside the leading 40 he will be delighted at closing in on the top 20 again.

"I'm ecstatic," said the former World Match Play champion. "It feels absolutely fantastic to win again."

Remembering that Trevor Immelman did the same to win The Masters last April, Casey decided not to look at any leaderboards in the final round until the final green and was relieved to discover that he was one ahead of Oosthuizen, who had closed with a 64.

Kaymer, three back, then sank a long eagle putt - he did the same to be runner-up to Tiger Woods in Dubai last year - and Casey two-putted for the par that gave him victory.

Harrington finished joint fifth on 17 under, with the 12 under he mentioned as a possible winning score good enough only for 20th spot.

"I'm happy with what I scored, but it flattered how I played," said the Open and US PGA champion. "I made plenty of mistakes and I have more work to do, that's for sure."

His countdown to The Masters and his attempt for a third successive major will be conducted solely in America now, starting with the Buick Invitational in two weeks.


CASEY CLOSE TO TOP 20
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JOHNSON LEADS BY ONE AT SONY OPEN

Zach Johnson has a one-stroke lead at the end of the third round of the Sony Open after carding a four-under-par 66

Johnson is at 10-under 200 overall while Shigeki Maruyama and Brian Gay are tied for second with David Toms and Nathan Green at nine under.

Toms made the biggest move of the players in the second place group with a 65 while Maruyama and Gay each managed a 68 and second-round co-leader Nathan Green joined them with a 69.

Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, played the front nine in three-under with three birdies to grab a share of the lead. Maruyama and Gay were both two-under through nine after both birdied the par-five ninth.

Johnson added his final birdie of the day at number 12, but it was good enough for the lead through 54 holes.

"One shot, one errant shot can be a matter of a two- or three-shot swing. So out here, it's just, you know, it didn't really matter," Johnson said.

"I think that's the beauty of this course. It doesn't surprise me it's congested, and the guy that sticks to his own and makes some putts tomorrow is probably going to come out on top."

The congested leaderboard is one story, but it was 18-year-old Tadd Fujikawa who was the highlight of the day as he electrified the hometown crowd with a sizzling performance.

A high school senior, Fujikawa entered the day at even-par and got rolling early with three straight birdies. His only bogey of the day came at number four, but he regained his focus with two more birdies on the front nine.

Fujikawa closed the front nine with a birdie at the ninth and added birdies at numbers 10, 11, 17 and 18 coming in for an eight-under 62. He stands at 202 after 54 holes.

"I really made sure I put all my focus and all my effort into every shot that I hit, and I think it paid off," Fujikawa said. "I'm very happy with today's round."

George McNeill (65), Boo Weekley (67) and Charles Howell III (67) are at eight-under along with Fujikawa.

Collated third round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 70):

200 Zach Johnson 69 65 66

201 Nathan Green (Aus) 66 66 69, Brian Gay 66 67 68, David Toms 70 66 65, Shigeki Maruyama (Jpn) 65 68 68

202 Tadd Fujikawa 71 69 62, George McNeill 69 68 65, Boo Weekley 66 69 67, Charles Howell III 67 68 67

203 Kevin Na 72 65 66, Adam Scott (Aus) 71 66 66, Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) 66 69 68

204 Jeff Klauk 69 69 66, Bill Haas 68 71 65, Webb Simpson 66 68 70, D.J. Trahan 71 67 66

205 Brian Davis (Eng) 69 68 68, Steve Stricker 70 68 67, Steve Marino 68 67 70, Sean O'Hair 71 68 66, Cameron Beckman 72 66 67, Wil Collins 69 67 69, Luke Donald (Eng) 67 70 68, Harrison Frazar 69 70 66, Briny Baird 69 67 69

206 Kenny Perry 69 69 68, Brendon Todd 69 71 66, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 68 70 68, Kevin Streelman 70 69 67, Chez Reavie 70 70 66

207 Tim Herron 68 71 68, Tom Pernice Jnr. 69 63 75, Cliff Kresge 69 69 69, Bob Estes 72 67 68, KJ Choi (Kor) 68 69 70, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 71 70 66, Jimmy Walker 73 66 68, David Mathis 68 68 71, Troy Matteson 71 67 69, Tommy Gainey 71 70 66

208 Jerry Kelly 67 72 69, Chris Stroud 67 70 71, Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 68 70 70, Michael Letzig 69 70 69, Ted Purdy 69 69 70, Stewart Cink 71 65 72, Scott Piercy 67 72 69, Greg Owen (Eng) 71 67 70, Marc Leishman (Aus) 72 66 70

209 Jarrod Lyle (Aus) 70 69 70, Ernie Els (Rsa) 72 69 68, Casey Wittenberg 71 70 68, Steve Lowery 71 68 70, Tim Clark (Rsa) 71 70 68

210 Spencer Levin 71 69 70, Michael Allen 72 68 70, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 70 71 69, Arron Oberholser 68 73 69, Glen Day 70 68 72, Matt Bettencourt 73 68 69, Hideto Tanihara (Jpn) 72 65 73

211 Joe Durant 73 68 70, Jeff Overton 71 69 71, Bart Bryant 71 69 71, Scott Sterling 71 69 71, Azuma Yano (Jpn) 71 70 70, Alex Cejka (Ger) 72 69 70

212 John Merrick 70 70 72, Arjun Atwal (Ind) 69 71 72, Paul Azinger 68 73 71, Tag Ridings 71 69 72, Tim Petrovic 69 72 71, Andres Romero (Arg) 73 68 71, Troy Kelly 71 66 75

213 Jeff Quinney 71 70 72, Matthew Borchert 73 67 73

214 Junpei Takayama (Jpn) 71 69 74

215 D.A. Points 68 73 74


JOHNSON HOLDS ON FOR WIN AT SONY OPEN
Bengals add rookie lineman to injured reserve
Giants’ Spagnuolo interviews with rival Jets
OGILVY CLAIMS LEAD IN HAWAII

ACE PRIZE FOR QUIROS

Spanish golfer Alvaro Quiros hit a hole-in-one during the Abu Dhabi Championship on Saturday - and he will still be enjoying the fruits of it when he is old and grey.

Europe's biggest hitter aced the 186-yard 12th in his third round, and the prize was an annual three-night stay in the seven-star Emirates Palace Hotel for life.


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CASEY CLOSE TO TOP 20

Paul Casey is up from 42nd to 21st in the world after his Abu Dhabi Championship victory - and joint runner-up Martin Kaymer is into the top 20 for the first time in his career.

Former Masters champion Zach Johnson won the Sony Open in Hawaii and he improves from 44th to 27th.

With Tiger Woods losing points through his lengthy injury lay-off both Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington took the chance to close the gap further.

Number two Garcia tied for eighth in the Middle East, while Harrington was joint fifth.

Latest leading positions in the world rankings:

1 Tiger Woods 11.06pts, 2 Sergio Garcia 7.91, 3 Padraig Harrington 6.79, 4 Phil Mickelson 6.69, 5 Vijay Singh 6.42, 6 Geoff Ogilvy 5.15, 7 Robert Karlsson 4.97, 8 Anthony Kim 4.76, 9 Camilo Villegas 4.68, 10 Lee Westwood 4.51

11 Henrik Stenson 4.49, 12 Ernie Els 4.46, 13 Jim Furyk 4.19, 14 Adam Scott 4.03, 15 Kenny Perry 3.87, 16 Steve Stricker 3.63, 17 Stewart Cink 3.62, 18 KJ Choi 3.62, 19 Martin Kaymer 3.43, 20 Justin Rose 3.39

Other leading Europeans:

21 Paul Casey, 26 Miguel Angel Jimenez, 29 Ian Poulter, 31 Ross Fisher, 32 Luke Donald, 35 Rory McIlroy, 36 Graeme McDowell, 43 Oliver Wilson, 48 Soren Hansen, 51 Soren Kjeldsen, 53 Peter Hanson, 62 Carl Pettersson, 68 Anders Hansen, 71 Darren Clarke, 72 Fredrik Jacobson, 74 Alvaro Quiros, 77 Francesco Molinari, 80 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, 85 Nick Dougherty, 86 Anthony Wall, 91 Peter Hedblom, 92 Gareth Maybin, 97 Pablo Larrazabal


WOODS’ POSITION UNDER THREAT
REINVIGORATED CASEY BACK ON TRACK
Bucs list QB Garcia as questionable for Sunday

WOODS TO PARTICIPATE IN INAUGURATION

Tiger Woods has accepted an invitation to speak at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday as part of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration festivities.

Woods posted a statement on his website saying he would speak at 'We Are One' - a concert celebration featuring the likes of Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, U2 and Garth Brooks.

"I am honoured that I was invited to this historic event and look forward to participating in Sunday's festivities," said Woods, the world's top-ranked golfer.


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WILLIAMS TO KEEP JOB WITH WOODS

HARRINGTON SURPRISED BY MONTY STANCE

Padraig Harrington has expressed his surprise that Colin Montgomerie appears ready to sacrifice playing in the next Ryder Cup to be captain.

"We need to put our best foot forward every time and I believe he's the man for the job, but I'm a bit surprised he's prepared to give up his chance of making the team," said the Open and US PGA champion in Abu Dhabi.

Officially the successor to Nick Faldo will not be named until Wednesday week, but the tournament committee met on Tuesday and Montgomerie was suddenly in the picture after previously stating his desire to play again at Celtic Manor and then lead the side at Gleneagles in 2014.

He would be 51 then, however, and there now seems to be a move towards younger men than that in charge.

Nick Faldo was 50 when he did the job last September while Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, both of whom expressed an interest in 2010, would be 52.

As for Jose Maria Olazabal, Faldo's vice-captain and viewed as the favourite for Celtic Manor, he is three years younger than Montgomerie at 42 and looks odds-on for Chicago in three years' time.

But with the Spaniard's rheumatism problem continuing - he is now out of next week's Qatar Masters because of it - there seems a better chance of Montgomerie making the next side than him and that has to be considered as well.

The slashing of Montgomerie's odds following the meeting hinted at a leak and European Tour chiefs have promised an investigation into that.

Harrington, who is not on the committee, stated: "It's amazing how these things get out. There's always someone who figures it out - way of the world, I suppose."

He expressed disappointment for Lyle if he indeed does miss out - Woosnam did the job in Ireland three years ago - but added: "Anybody on Tour younger than me does not really know Sandy, whereas they will be very familiar with Monty."


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HARRINGTON WINS SHOT OF THE YEAR
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OLAZABAL OUT OF QATAR

Jose Maria Olazabal has pulled out of next week's Qatar Masters - but not to avoid questions about the Ryder Cup captaincy.

Olazabal is still battling to regain fitness after suffering rheumatism and is now targeting the Dubai Desert Classic in two weeks for his return to action.

That is where the 2010 Ryder Cup captain will be named and it is now thought Colin Montgomerie could be the choice, with Olazabal being earmarked for the following match in America.

ELS EYES RETURN TO FORM

Since the day he won his first major title at the tender age of 24, defeating Colin Montgomerie and Loren Roberts in a play-off for the US Open, Ernie Els has never been outside the top 12 on the world rankings.

But now, nine months short of his 40th birthday, the big South African is in danger of being edged out of that elite group as he returns to the European Tour for the Qatar Masters starting on Thursday and next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

After finishing 39th at the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday Els dropped from 10th to 12th, Ryder Cup pair Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson being the pair to move past him, even though Westwood took last week off and Stenson missed the cut in Abu Dhabi.

Having begun last year fourth in the world and standing fifth when Tiger Woods began his long injury lay-off in June it has been a huge disappointment to his many fans that Els' only victory since then was in the unofficial Hassan Trophy in Morocco in November.

At least, however, he is spending the next fortnight in a region where he has had a lot of success.

"My record in the desert is good," the former number one said on his website, "with three wins in Dubai and one in Qatar, so I'm looking forward to it.

"The golf course at Doha is a good test, with strong par fives and par threes. The greens are very true to putt on, so there are birdies to be had, but a lot depends on the conditions.

"If the wind gets up, as it so often does in these parts, a low score doesn't come easy.

"I like to think I've always been a good wind player, so hopefully we can get something going. This was the scene of a great couple of weeks' golf for me back in 2005.

"The two tournaments were played the other way round that year and I started with a win in Dubai and then another win the following week in Qatar.

"That started my season on a really positive note and maybe being in the Middle East will be good for me again."

Els did not play in Qatar last year when Adam Scott charged to a three-stroke win with a course-record closing round of 61, but in Dubai he stood on the final tee needing an eagle to win and a birdie four to tie Woods, who had just completed a stunning back nine 31 to set the target.

Going for the green in two Els came up well short in the water, blaming a gust of wind, and with a bogey six dropped to third.

It was shortly afterwards that he revealed his five-year-old son Ben had autism. A lot of his energies have been devoted to that cause since and a new course he has designed in Hawaii was opened last week and will host a charity event in late April.

By then Els hopes he might finally have achieved a first Masters victory to go with two US Opens and one Open.


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OLAZABAL OUT OF QATAR
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MONTY IN CAPTAINCY FRAME

Colin Montgomerie, not even mentioned as a candidate a few days ago, could be made Ryder Cup captain in two weeks' time.

"All I have ever said is that I would like to help the European cause in any way, shape or form in 2010," said Montgomerie in Abu Dhabi after being told the odds on him taking over from Nick Faldo had tumbled.

Until the committee meeting he attended on Tuesday, the 45-year-old has always been seen as the front-runner for Gleneagles in 2014 rather than Celtic Manor next year.

But Jose Maria Olazabal, favourite for the first-ever match on Welsh soil, has not yet declared whether he wants the job or not.

If the 42-year-old Spaniard, vice-captain to Faldo in the Louisville defeat, does prefer to wait, it may be the committee decide Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the two declared candidates, are too old and too out of touch with the players.

And if that is the situation, then Montgomerie would appear to be the right age. By 2014 he would be 51.

It could also be the case the committee see Olazabal as a better man in front of American fans in Chicago in 2012. He, of course, has never been heckled in the States.

On being omitted by Faldo from last September's clash - the first time he was not part of it since 1989 - Montgomerie stated he wanted to be back in the team next time.

He also said it would be "a shame" if compatriot Lyle was the only member of Europe's 'Big Five' - Faldo, Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer being the others - not to take the reins.

"We have to get the best man for the job," Montgomerie added when pressed.

"It would be an honour to be selected, but we are no further forward with the process than when we left the meeting.

"I will have to let you know if it has been offered. At this stage it has not."

Montgomerie would almost certainly be calling a halt to his Ryder Cup playing career by accepting the captaincy, however.

By overlooking him for a wild card, Faldo denied his former partner the chance to overtake him as the event's record points-scorer.

And of Montgomerie and Olazabal, it is certainly the former who looks more capable of earning a place in the 2010 line-up. Olazabal is still trying to find form and fitness after a long lay-off fighting arthritic pains, while Montgomerie had a 67 on Friday to revive his hopes in the Middle East.


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NO RUSH OVER CUP CAPTAINCY

JOHNSON HOLDS ON FOR WIN AT SONY OPEN

Zach Johnson fired a five-under-par 65 to win the Sony Open on Sunday.

At 15-under 265, Johnson posted a two-stroke victory over David Toms and Adam Scott.

Charles Howell III finished fourth at 12-under 268.

Johnson entered the final round with a one-shot lead but was in a three-way tie at the turn. He started the back nine with consecutive birdies and added two more at number 14 and 18 to wrap up his fifth PGA Tour victory.

The 2007 Masters champion, Johnson picked up US$972,000 for the win and now has a victory in three consecutive seasons.

Toms and Howell III joined Johnson at 11-under entering the final nine holes, but Toms couldn't match Johnson birdie-for-birdie and Howell ended up bogeying 18 after consecutive birdies at numbers 16 and 17.

Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, had three birdies and two bogeys on the front nine. He did not drop a shot coming in and made a 10-footer at the 14th to take a two-stroke lead.

Toms birdied 18 to close within one and Scott made a late charge playing a few groups in front and closed with birdies at numbers 13, 16 and 18 to finish at 11-under.

Johnson closed out the win with his third birdie of the week at the par-5 18th. He had an eagle putt from 33 feet that he lagged to about 18 inches and his easy birdie wrapped up a successful trip to the islands after a tie for sixth at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship last week.

Collated final round scores & totals in the USPGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii, Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America

(USA unless stated, par 70):

265 Zach Johnson 69 65 66 65

267 Adam Scott (Aus) 71 66 66 64, David Toms 70 66 65 66

268 Charles Howell III 67 68 67 66

269 Kevin Na 72 65 66 66, Brian Gay 66 67 68 68

271 George McNeill 69 68 65 69, Steve Marino 68 67 70 66

272 Bill Haas 68 71 65 68, Boo Weekley 66 69 67 70, Webb Simpson 66 68 70 68

273 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 68 70 70 65, Tim Herron 68 71 68 66, Scott Piercy 67 72 69 65, Jeff Klauk 69 69 66 69, Nathan Green (Aus) 66 66 69 72, Bob Estes 72 67 68 66, Sean O'Hair 71 68 66 68, Marc Leishman (Aus) 72 66 70 65, KJ Choi (Kor) 68 69 70 66, Shigeki Maruyama (Jpn) 65 68 68 72, Tim Clark (Rsa) 71 70 68 64

274 Steve Stricker 70 68 67 69, Jerry Kelly 67 72 69 66, Cliff Kresge 69 69 69 67, Chez Reavie 70 70 66 68, Cameron Beckman 72 66 67 69, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 71 70 66 67, Luke Donald (Eng) 67 70 68 69, Troy Matteson 71 67 69 67, Briny Baird 69 67 69 69

275 Tadd Fujikawa 71 69 62 73, Bart Bryant 71 69 71 64, Jimmy Walker 73 66 68 68, Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) 66 69 68 72, Stewart Cink 71 65 72 67, Greg Owen (Eng) 71 67 70 67, D.J. Trahan 71 67 66 71

276 Arron Oberholser 68 73 69 66, Michael Letzig 69 70 69 68, Brendon Todd 69 71 66 70, Ernie Els (Rsa) 72 69 68 67, Scott Sterling 71 69 71 65, Hideto Tanihara (Jpn) 72 65 73 66

277 Brian Davis (Eng) 69 68 68 72, Chris Stroud 67 70 71 69, Michael Allen 72 68 70 67, Azuma Yano (Jpn) 71 70 70 66, Wil Collins 69 67 69 72, Glen Day 70 68 72 67

278 Ted Purdy 69 69 70 70, Harrison Frazar 69 70 66 73, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 68 70 68 72, Alex Cejka (Ger) 72 69 70 67

279 Casey Wittenberg 71 70 68 70, Steve Lowery 71 68 70 70, Kevin Streelman 70 69 67 73, Tommy Gainey 71 70 66 72

280 Kenny Perry 69 69 68 74, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 70 71 69 70, Joe Durant 73 68 70 69, David Mathis 68 68 71 73, Tom Pernice Jnr. 69 63 75 73, Matt Bettencourt 73 68 69 70

282 Jarrod Lyle (Aus) 70 69 70 73, John Merrick 70 70 72 70, Arjun Atwal (Ind) 69 71 72 70, Troy Kelly 71 66 75 70

283 Paul Azinger 68 73 71 71, Jeff Overton 71 69 71 72, Andres Romero (Arg) 73 68 71 71

284 Spencer Levin 71 69 70 74

285 Tim Petrovic 69 72 71 73, Tag Ridings 71 69 72 73, Jeff Quinney 71 70 72 72

286 D.A. Points 68 73 74 71

288 Matthew Borchert 73 67 73 75

289 Junpei Takayama (Jpn) 71 69 74 75


OGILVY CLAIMS LEAD IN HAWAII
Bills sign OT Scott; LT Peters misses practice

CLARKE CLAIMS SHARE OF LEAD

Darren Clarke moved into a share of the lead with a third-round 66 in the Africa Open at East London Golf Club.

Clarke continued his consistent form, adding a 66 to his opening rounds of 67 and 65 to join South African James Kingston at the top of the leaderboard on 18 under par.

The pair are two shots clear of two more local players, Richard Sterne and Darren Fichardt, with Canada's Graham de Laet another stroke adrift after a superb 64.

Overnight leader Angel Cabrera slipped four shots off the pace after a 72, the Argentinian alongside fellow former US Open champion Retief Goosen and Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey on 14 under.


CLARKE TARGETS TOP 50
Injunction upheld; suspended players to return
GOOSEN SURGES TO WIN

GOOSEN SURGES TO WIN

Retief Goosen fired a brilliant final round of 65 to win the Africa Open at East London Golf Club.

The former US Open champion carded eight birdies and survived a last-hole bogey to finish 21 under par, one shot clear of overnight joint leader Darren Clarke, Michael Hoey, Branden Grace and Darren Fichardt.

Goosen began the day four shots behind Clarke and South African James Kingston, but Ulsterman Clarke could only manage a 70 and Kingston a 73 to open the door for the chasing pack.

Grace and Hoey moved through the field with rounds of 65 and 66 respectively, while halfway leader Angel Cabrera finished in a tie for ninth after a second consecutive 72.

Collated final round scores & totals in the Sunshine Tour Africa Open, East London Golf Club, East London, South Africa

(Rsa unless stated, Par: 72)

267 Retief Goosen 66 70 66 65

268 Branden Grace 69 68 66 65, Michael Hoey (NIrl) 68 68 66 66, Darren Fichardt 65 68 67 68, Darren Clarke (NIrl) 67 65 66 70

271 James Kingston 66 67 65 73

272 Mark Murless 71 68 69 64

273 Richard Sterne 72 67 61 73

274 Ulrich Van Den Berg 70 67 67 70, Charl Schwartzel 65 73 65 71, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 62 68 72 72

275 Graham Delaet (Can) 63 74 64 74

276 Steve Van Vuuren 71 66 70 69, Alex Haindl 66 67 72 71

277 Brandon Pieters 71 68 70 68, Jaco Van Zyl 73 66 70 68, Marc Cayeux (Zim) 68 66 69 74

278 Keith Horne 71 67 68 72, Christiaan Basson 69 70 65 74

279 Louis De Jager 69 73 69 68, Tyrone Mordt 70 73 66 70, Deane Pappas 67 70 69 73, Warren Abery 67 68 70 74, Dawie Van Der Walt 68 68 69 74

280 Louis Moolman 70 71 69 70, Trevor Fisher Jnr 74 69 67 70, Grant Muller 69 67 71 73

281 Garth Mulroy 70 72 70 69, Martin Maritz 69 73 69 70, Paulo Pinto (Arg) 68 69 73 71

282 Alan Mclean (Sco) 68 71 72 71, Stuart Clark (Wal) 71 65 73 73, David Frost 72 68 69 73

283 Tyrone Van Aswegen 73 68 74 68, Shaun Norris 73 68 73 69, Wallie Coetsee 73 69 71 70, Kevin Stone 71 72 70 70, Clinton Whitelaw 71 72 68 72, Gerlou Roux 72 70 68 73, Jake Roos 70 70 68 75

284 Neil Schietekat 66 74 73 71, Charl Coetzee 67 74 70 73, Darryn Lloyd 71 71 69 73, Jean Hugo 69 69 72 74, Peter Karmis 68 71 70 75

285 Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 71 72 71 71, Ph Mcintyre 69 71 70 75, Michiel Bothma 69 71 70 75, Wes Heffernan 70 70 70 75, Merrick Bremner 75 64 70 76, Justin Walters (Eng) 68 72 67 78

286 Bradford Vaughan 72 68 77 69, Oliver Bekker 68 74 73 71, Heinrich Bruiners 71 71 73 71, Sean Farrell (Zim) 69 71 74 72, Thomas Aiken 73 70 70 73, Ryan Thompson 72 68 72 74, Lindani Ndwandwe 68 72 72 74, Andrew Curlewis 71 71 68 76, Willie Van Der Merwe 68 68 71 79, Steve Lewton (Eng) 69 68 67 82

287 Gerhard Trytsman 68 70 76 73, Andrae Bossert (Swi) 70 69 74 74, Tyrone Ferreira 69 71 71 76

288 Peter Kaensche (Nor) 71 71 77 69, Theunis Spangenberg 69 71 73 75

289 Desvonde Botes 72 71 70 76, Nic Henning 70 69 69 81

294 Dion Fourie 71 72 74 77

295 Federico Cabrera (Arg) 72 70 78 75

297 Francois Van Vuuren 75 68 75 79


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CLARKE CLAIMS SHARE OF LEAD
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CLARKE TARGETS TOP 50

OLAZABAL TEMPTED BY RYDER CAPTAINCY

Jose Maria Olazabal has hinted he is ready to follow in the footsteps of close friend and fellow Ryder Cup legend Seve Ballesteros and lead Europe in the biennial showdown with the United States at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Few ever doubted that Olazabal would emulate Ballesteros - the winning skipper at Valderrama in 1997 - and lead Europe in the Ryder Cup, but now it appears he could take charge of the team sooner than previously expected.

"I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that," said Olazabal after Europe lost 10-6 in The Royal Trophy at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

The Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's deputy as Europe surrendered the Ryder Cup to the United States in Valhalla last September, has previously been non-committal on the leadership role.

But his latest comments are likely to come as a boost to the European Tour's 15-man tournament committee, who meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

On the agenda is the subject of Faldo's successor, with Olazabal reportedly top of their wish list ahead of Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the winning skipper at the K Club in 2006.

Olazabal, who made his Ryder Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 1987, confirmed he would like to lead Europe in future, but stressed he would first like to bid to make the team for an eighth time.

"I've never denied that being captain of the Ryder Cup is something really special, it's a privilege, but it's always been like that," added the 42-year-old, who has been battling rheumatism in recent years.

"If now is the right time or not, I'm not sure.

"I would love to be playing - if these guys allow me."

The two-time Masters champion suggested next week may be too early for him to commit to the role so any decision could be delayed until the committee meet in May during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

"I think maybe it is too soon (to be captain) but time will tell," he added.

Olazabal stepped in as European skipper at The Royal Trophy after his close friend Ballesteros was forced to remain at home in Bilbao, northern Spain, following a series of operations on a brain tumour.

The two-time Masters champion and Ballesteros - a five-time major winner and the victorious skipper in the 2006 and 2007 Royal Trophies - combined to be the most successful Ryder Cup partnership in history, winning 11 and halving two of 15 matches.

Matchplay maestro Olazabal was widely praised by his charges as Europe slumped to a first defeat to Asia at The Royal Trophy.

The players attributed the defeat to poor performances in their first competitions of the year following a winter break and coming up against an ever-improving Asian side, rather than the decisions of the captain.

After establishing a five-point advantage following the first two days of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event, Asia required just two points from the eight singles duels.

Europe staged something of a revival, winning four and halving one of the final day's matches, but the margin was ultimately too great.

Prayad Marksaeng defeated Pablo Larrazabal 5&4 after Paul Lawrie had claimed a 3&2 triumph over Liang Wen-chong before Toru Taniguchi sank the winning putt as he romped to a 7&6 record success over Niclas Fasth.

Soren Hansen's contest with Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa finished all-square, while Nick Dougherty, Oliver Wilson and Johan Edfors recorded their first points of the week, but their wins were ultimately in vain as Asia emerged victorious.

Olazabal congratulated Joe Ozaki's team for their triumph before hinting Ballesteros would return to reclaim the trophy in 2010.

"My last words are for Seve," said the Spaniard as he addressed his eight-man team.

"He is recovering from some health issues, but even though I'm the captain this year, I might not be the captain next year - and I can assure you he is going to be tougher than I was."

Olazabal conceded the deficit following the foursomes and four-balls was too great for Europe to overcome, particularly after the capitulation of Larrazabal and Fasth.

"It was very difficult to come back from such a big difference," he added.

"The problem today was that a couple of our matches were really down.

"That made things more difficult for everybody."

Olazabal promised Europe would learn from the loss.

"I want to thank my players for trying hard this week," he said.

"We lost, it hurts but that will make us better in the future."

Ozaki, who oversaw the record nine-point loss in the last edition of the event, was thrilled as Asia triumphed.

"I really wanted to win this time," the Japanese said.

"All the team members felt the same way. They sensed that I wanted them to play aggressively.

"I'm very happy right now and I'll never forget this week."


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OLAZABAL CONSIDERING RYDER CUP ROLE

ROYAL ASCENT FOR OLAZABAL

Europe's players were united in praise of Jose Maria Olazabal after their Royal Trophy defeat and gave their unequivocal backing to the Spaniard should he choose to become Ryder Cup captain.

Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie and Soren Hansen - three of the five Trophy representatives who have played in the Ryder Cup - spoke glowingly of the leadership of Olazabal, despite the 10-6 loss to Asia in the eight-man team event at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

McGinley said: "He's outstanding and he's going to be an absolutely outstanding Ryder Cup captain whenever it is his turn - he's different class."

Olazabal is widely expected to be at the top of the wish list of the 15-man European Tour tournament committee - ahead of Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the winning captain at the K Club in 2006 - when the subject of Nick Faldo's successor is discussed in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

The 42-year-old - the European team's replacement skipper for the Royal Trophy after his close friend and compatriot Seve Ballesteros underwent surgery on a brain tumour - would first like the opportunity to make an eighth Ryder Cup appearance at Celtic Manor in 2010 before accepting a non-playing leadership role.

The two-time Masters champion, who was Faldo's deputy as Europe surrendered the trophy in Valhalla last September, admitted the top job is appealing.

"It's up to the players to say how good a captain I was," said Olazabal, whose career has been hampered by rheumatism in recent years.

"I'll talk to them and ask them a few questions as the months go by and see if I can improve in some areas and try to improve myself and be very prepared for the future.

"I learned certain things this week that I'll keep in mind if the captaincy for the Ryder Cup happens."

Olazabal's desire to wait and see if he can return to competitive golf is expected to mean the committee, chaired by Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, will delay any decision on the Ryder Cup captaincy until their next meeting at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May.

There is no doubt the Spaniard, who made his Ryder Cup debut aged 21 in 1987, will make a tremendous captain in future, according to Lawrie.

The Scot, who played in the infamous 'Battle of Brookline' in 1999 - the year he won The Open at Carnoustie - told PA Sport: "Paul McGinley summed it up perfectly when he said that any player who makes Jose Maria's team as Ryder Cup captain will be lucky indeed.

"He's been excellent this week. He did everything he could do and couldn't do any more, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing under him."

Hansen became the second Dane, after Bjorn, to play in the European Ryder Cup team and concurred with his team-mates.

"Olly was great as an assistant to Faldo at the Ryder Cup and I would love to play under him in the future," he said.

McGinley sank the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002 as he made his debut in the biennial showdown with the United States and was unbeaten in team matchplay prior to yesterday's loss.

The Irishman was on the winning side in the 2002, 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cups and in the 2006 and 2007 Royal Trophies, playing under Sam Torrence, Bernard Langer, Woosnam and Ballesteros.

McGinley attributed Europe's first loss to Asia in the continental challenge to an under-par performance by his side, rather than any shortfall in the capabilities of Olazabal.

"The reason we didn't win is that the opposition were stronger," said McGinley. "All credit to the Asians, they played extremely well.

"We came up against a strong Asian team who were all on form.

"The Asian team have had a great run of success and the bottom line is we didn't play well enough and they deserved to win."

Olazabal hinted Ballesteros would return to reclaim The Royal Trophy in 2010 and believes the tournament will only get stronger.

"It's a great event," he added.

"We learned our lesson this week. The Asian team has raised the bar without a doubt and we're going to have to come here hungrier and more determined - if that's possible - to beat these guys."


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PUTTING PROBLEMS HAMPER GARCIA

New year, same old problem ... Sergio Garcia may be on his way to taking over from Tiger Woods as world number one - but he is still having putting nightmares.

Garcia began his 2009 campaign in brilliant fashion at the Abu Dhabi Championship, grabbing three birdies and then a sparkling eagle in the first 10 holes.

That left the 29-year-old 'Race To Dubai' leader five under par and only one behind Swedes Johan Edfors and Mikael Lundberg - but on the next two greens he missed par putts of under three feet.

Because of an earlier two-hour hailstorm delay, there was time for Garcia to play only two more holes - and he will resume in the morning three under and joint 15th.

That still made it a better day for him than for great rival Padraig Harrington, Masters champion Trevor Immelman and Ryder Cup team-mate Henrik Stenson.

Harrington, back to third in the world this week and building towards his attempt at a third successive major victory at Augusta in April, had to be content with a one-under 71; Immelman shot 72, and Stenson 76 after a bizarre mishap on the 475-yard 16th.

After hitting into the dense rough, Stenson - twice a winner late last year - found a ball of the same type and number, but only after hitting it did the Swede discover it did not have his personal mark on it.

That meant a two-stroke penalty and a triple-bogey seven went on his card - all on the course where Stenson shot a record 62 two years ago.

Harrington, who had warned he would be somewhat rusty after going on holiday to South Africa for 18 days over Christmas, said: "I felt reasonably good.

"I was disappointed to make the bogey on six [his 15th] and had reasonable chances on the last two greens, so maybe a shot or two better would have been certainly what it felt like."

Immelman said: "I actually felt like I hit some nice shots

but couldn't get the putter to co-operate, so I need to work on that."

Edfors missed a golden opportunity to lead on his own when he three-putted the long 18th for par, but seven earlier birdies meant that was of no great concern to the 2006 Scottish Open champion.

Lundberg, whose two European Tour victories have both come at the Russian Open, kept a bogey off his card - and there could easily have been three Swedes at the top.

Former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin's 67 included a double-bogey six on the 16th, where he almost chipped in but then three-putted.

Sandelin shared third place overnight with 20-year-old rising English star Oliver Fisher, Italian Francesco Molinari, Spaniard Ignacio Garrido and South African Louis Oosthuizen.

Garrido has three holes to complete - and Oosthuizen, with six birdies in his last seven holes, has two left.

Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy, eagerly awaiting his Masters debut after charging into the world's top 40 little more than a year into his professional career, stood four under after 12 when the light went.

On the hailstorm, Molinari stated: "It was a bit of a surprise - you don't expect that to come down in the desert.

"It was a funny, new thing. I hope we won't get any of that in the next few days."

Collated first round scores in the European Tour The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72):

First round to be completed Friday following two-hour hailstorm delay

66 Mikael Lundberg (Swe), Johan Edfors (Swe)

67 Francesco Molinari (Ita), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Oliver Fisher

68 Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra), Richard Green (Aus), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa), Andrew McLardy (Rsa)

69 Gary Murphy, Alvaro Quiros (Spa), Graeme Storm, Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Thomas Levet (Fra)

70 Marc Warren, David Dixon, Chapchai Nirat (Tha), Mark Foster, Kenneth Ferrie

71 Mikko Ilonen (Fin), Martin Erlandsson (Swe), Soren Hansen (Den), Robert Dinwiddie, Steven Jeppesen (Swe), Simon Dyson, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Simon Wakefield, Robert Allenby (Aus), Richard Finch, Phillip Archer, Miles Tunnicliff, Sam Little, Padraig Harrington

72 Alvaro Velasco (Spa), Shiv Kapur (Ind), Soren Kjeldsen (Den), Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg), Pelle Edberg (Swe), Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den), John Bickerton, David Drysdale, Stephen Dodd, Trevor Immelman (Rsa), Ross McGowan, Gregory Havret (Fra)

73 Christian Cevaer (Fra), Thomas Bjorn (Den), Paul Lawrie, Alejandro Canizares (Spa), Scott Strange (Aus)

74 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind), Steve Webster, Niclas Fasth (Swe), Nick Dougherty

75 David Howell, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia (Ind)

76 Pablo Martin (Spa), Henrik Stenson (Swe), Jose Manuel Lara (Spa)

78 Benn Barham, Jamie Wood

79 Gregory Bourdy (Fra)


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STENSON STAYS CLEAR
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STORM HITS ABU DHABI AGAIN

It was a case of 'Storm hits Middle East' for the second day running at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

But after the freak hailstorm that halted the opening round yesterday, this time it was Hartlepool's Graeme Storm who forced his way into the headlines.

Playing his first event since the Volvo Masters at the start of November, the 30-year-old former British amateur champion blasted a 64 containing an eagle and seven birdies.

Storm and playing partner Richard Green go into the weekend sharing top spot on 11 under par, the Australian left-hander going to the turn in 30 and finishing with a 65.

"We always play well together," said Storm, who took time off to work on his fitness with the same trainer who has helped Lee Westwood back into the world's top 10.

"I had a look at where I needed to improve and Pete (coach Pete Cowen) said I needed to get stronger. I've been working hard.

"I holed some great putts and that takes the pressure off the rest of your game."

Green is looking to climb back into the world's top 50 in time for The Masters in April - he is currently 63rd - and his performance revived memories of his play-off victory over Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam in nearby Dubai 12 years ago.

The 37-year-old from Melbourne was relatively unknown then, but two years ago finished fourth in The Open at Carnoustie.

Winner that week, of course, was Padraig Harrington, and the Dubliner, still the holder of the Claret Jug and now the US PGA as well, is chasing another victory.

Harrington, having opened with only a 71, charged to only four off the lead with a 66.

Anxious to get finished before the light went, the Dubliner played the last two holes at speed - out of character for a man once described by Retief Goosen as "no boy racer" - and birdied them both.

Ryder Cup team-mate and newly-wed Paul Casey, whose victory in the event two years ago was his last win, went one better than Harrington and on 10 under is joint third with Londoner Anthony Wall.

Nineteen-year-old Rory McIlroy is only two back and Colin Montgomerie matched his best round of last season with a 67 for five under.

Montgomerie was then inundated with questions about whether, as reported, he is a contender for the 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy rather than 2014 if favourite Jose Maria Olazabal turns it down.

The 45-year-old, having said it would be "a shame" if fellow Scot Sandy Lyle did not get the job, is part of the committee deciding the issue in two weeks' time.

So has an offer been made? "At this stage it has not," he said, while adding that it would be "an honour" to be selected.

World number two Sergio Garcia's 71 left him eight adrift and Masters champion Trevor Immelman is alongside him following a 69.

Just under 30 players have still to complete their second rounds, so the halfway cut will not be decided until the morning.

It will be either two under or one under and, either way, Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez miss out.

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

Second round play has been suspended due to darkness & will be resumed on Saturday at 07.45hrs (GMT + 4hrs) local time

133 Richard Green (Aus) 68 65, Graeme Storm 69 64

134 Anthony Wall 67 67, Paul Casey 69 65

135 Brett Rumford (Aus) 68 67, Rory McIlroy 66 69, Johan Edfors (Swe) 66 69

136 Martin Kaymer (Ger) 68 68, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 67 69

137 Anders Hansen (Den) 70 67, Soren Hansen (Den) 71 66, Danny Willett 71 66, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 67 70, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 68 69, Padraig Harrington 71 66

138 Danny Lee (Nzl) 68 70, Peter Hanson (Swe) 67 71

139 Hennie Otto (Rsa) 73 66, Marc Warren 70 69, Robert Allenby (Aus) 71 68, Colin Montgomerie 72 67, Scott Strange (Aus) 73 66

140 Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 68 72, Stephen Gallacher 74 66, Oliver Wilson 69 71, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 69 71, Bradley Dredge 71 69, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 71 69

141 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 74 67, Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 72 69, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 70 71, Mark Brown (USA) 72 69, Daniel Vancsik (Arg) 72 69, Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 72 69, Gary Murphy 69 72, Alastair Forsyth 75 66, Jamie Donaldson 69 72, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 71 70

142 Damien McGrane 70 72, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 72, Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 71 71, Ross Fisher 75 67, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 67 75, David Drysdale 72 70, Robert Rock 67 75, Chapchai Nirat (Tha) 70 72, Chinarat Phadungsil (Tha) 72 70, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 71 71, Paul McGinley 69 73

143 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 72 71, Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 72 71, Gary Orr 75 68, Paul Lawrie 73 70, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 74 69, Peter Lawrie 73 70, Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den) 72 71, Thomas Levet (Fra) 69 74

144 Stephen Dodd 72 72, Paul Waring 72 72, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) 74 70, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia (Ind) 75 69, David Lynn 73 71

145 Steve Webster 74 71, Alexander Noren (Swe) 74 71, Wen-chong Liang (Chn) 70 75, Rafael Echenique (Arg) 72 73, Ariel Canete (Arg) 75 70, Peter Hedblom (Swe) 71 74

146 Jean Van de velde (Fra) 73 73, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 76 70, Gregory Havret (Fra) 72 74, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 72 74

147 Anton Haig (Rsa) 76 71, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 71 76, Marcel Siem (Ger) 75 72, Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 72 75, Kenneth Ferrie 70 77, Markus Brier (Aut) 77 70, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 79 68, Pablo Martin (Spa) 76 71, Peter O'Malley (Aus) 75 72

148 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) 73 75, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 73 75

149 Richie Ramsay 76 73, Scott Drummond 77 72, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra) 78 71, Jose Manuel Lara (Spa) 76 73

150 Christian Cevaer (Fra) 73 77, Per-Ulrik Johansson (Swe) 74 76

151 Paul Broadhurst 75 76

154 Lee Slattery 76 78


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IRISH OPEN BACK AT BALTRAY

TOUR APPOINT NORTHRIDGE

Nigel Northridge, former chief executive of Gallaher Group, has accepted an invitation to join the European Tour Board as non-executive Tour Group Director.

Board chairman Neil Coles said: "We are delighted that Nigel has agreed to join. This is a timely appointment coming as it does when we are on the cusp of a new era in the history of the Tour with the launching of the Race to Dubai.

"Nigel brings with him a wealth of experience from the international market place which will greatly support our continued development of the game globally."

Northridge, 52, commented: "I have had a passion for the sport of golf, in all its facets, since childhood and look forward to contributing to its future development."

During his 30 years at Gallaher he presided over a sponsorship programme which included the Benson and Hedges International Open, part of the European Tour from 1971 to 2003.


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BELIEF EARNS HANSEN REWARD

Anders Hansen has revealed that he knew he had the chance of winning the Joburg Open after looking at the scoreboard before the final round teed off on Sunday.

The 38-year-old won his third European title in the process after carding a final 66 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club for a tournament total 15-under 269, edging out one of three overnight leaders Andrew McLardy by a stroke.

David Drysdale, who was also in front after round three, ended his tournament with a 69 for an overall total of 271, with Danny Willett, Tyrone van Aswegen and Charl Schwartzel - the other day three leader - a further shot back.

The man from Denmark though, won the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, coming from a shot behind to eventually edge out South African McLardy.

He admitted afterward that a lack of experienced players at the top left him quietly confident that he could come back and win the R2.25 million (174,350 euros) prize.

"I knew the guys who were up there were not the typical winners who have won that many tournaments so maybe they won't take off and I was right," he said afterward. "After the first day, the leading score was eight.

"So it was after the second and third day that I played very well shooting seven-under only one behind going into today, so I knew I had a decent chance."

However, the win was by no means straightforward for Hansen, who was playing in the penultimate group ahead of McLardy.

He was level at 14-under with the home favourite going into the par-five 18th hole, but gave himself a great chance of winning by putting his second shot 25-feet from the hole.

The world number 90 missed the eagle chance, but made birdie from three feet with his rival blowing any chance of drawing level with a wayward tee shot on the 18th.

"(On the last) I was focused on just hitting a good drive and I did that. I hit a great second shot and the two putt was enough, so it's great.

"Today I played really nice on the front nine there and hit a lot of good shots, so it was really great.

"I think it means a lot to win obviously - because that's off course what we're here for. Especially after the first day where the first two holes I started double bogey-bogey and think 'what is this'? But I turned that round around."

Hansen's previous two victories came at the same PGA Championship in 2002 and 2007.

He added: "Yes, that (victory at a different tournament) is probably the most pleasing thing about winning here. After winning the PGA twice and then to win here, it's nice to win somewhere else."


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AB'S FAB FOR KAYMER

Defending champion Martin Kaymer admits returning to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships this week will bring back some fond memories.

The 24-year-old clinched his maiden European Tour victory there a year ago, and then went on to enjoy a superb season, winning the BMW International and ending up eighth on the Order of Merit.

"That was my first win on the European Tour so that's always very special," said Kaymer, who narrowly missed out on a place in Nick Faldo's Ryder Cup team.

"It was a big event and I won the first tournament of the year so that gave me a lot of motivation for the rest of the season.

"The win over here was very important to me, especially early in my career. It showed that I could win a tournament.

"It was very special when I came to the golf club yesterday. It was nice to walk down the 18th yesterday. It was a very special moment for me last year."

Englishman Paul Casey will also be among a strong field at the United Arab Emirates tournament and is feeling confident and refreshed after a month's break.

"I'm very much looking forward to 2009," said the 31-year-old.

"I feel like I have prepared well. I had some nice time off after the HSBC Champions, and then played Tiger's event (the Chevron World Challenge last month) and used that to review aspects I needed to knuckle down hard on and worked very hard for the last two weeks before coming here.

"I feel good about the game and I'm looking forward to having a good 2009."


CASEY AIMS FOR WINNING START
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SORENSTAM SET FOR FAREWELL
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ASIANS BREAK ROYAL TROPHY DUCK

Asia held off a final-day singles resurgence from Europe to lift The Royal Trophy for the first time with a 10-6 triumph at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

After establishing a five-point advantage after the first two days of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event, Asia required just two points from the eight singles duels.

Prayad Marksaeng defeated Pablo Larrazabal 5&4 after Paul Lawrie had claimed a 3&2 triumph over Liang Wen-chong before Toru Taniguchi sank the winning putt as he romped to a 7&6 record success over Niclas Fasth.

European captain Jose Maria Olazabal - deputising for close friend and victorious 2006 and 2007 skipper Seve Ballesteros, who is recovering from surgery on a brain tumour - had hoped for a special performance from his team but Asia prevailed.

Paul Lawrie won the day's second match but woeful performances from Larrazabal and Fasth, playing in the fourth and seventh matches respectively, helped Asia to an unassailable lead.

Nick Dougherty, Oliver Wilson and Johan Edfors recorded their first points of the week, but their wins were ultimately in vain as Asia emerged victorious.

Olazabal congratulated Joe Ozaki's Asian team for their triumph before hinting Ballesteros would return to reclaim the trophy in 2010.

"My last words are for Seve," said the Spaniard as he addressed his eight-man team.

"He is recovering from some health issues, but even though I'm the captain this year, I might not be the captain next year - and I can assure you he is going to be tougher than I was."

The 42-year-old promised Europe would learn from the loss.

"I want to thank my players for trying hard this week," he added.

"We lost, it hurts but that will make us better in the future."

Final-day results

(Team Europe names first):

Singles

Soren Hansen (Den) halved with Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn)

Paul Lawrie (Sco) bt Wen-chong Liang (Chn) 3 and 2

Nick Dougherty (Eng) bt Charlie Wi (Kor) 1 up

Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) lost to Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) 5 and 4

Oliver Wilson (Eng) bt Hideto Tanihara (Jpn) 3 and 2

Johan Edfors (Swe) bt S K Ho (Kor) 5 and 4

Niclas Fasth (Swe) lost to to Toru Taniguchi (Jpn) 7 and 6

Paul McGinley (Irl) lost to Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) 5 & 4

Match result: Asia bt Europe 10-6


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ASIA EDGE AHEAD

NO RUSH OVER CUP CAPTAINCY

The decision on who takes over from Nick Faldo as Europe's Ryder Cup captain seems unlikely to be made before May.

But Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, chairman of the tournament committee that will discuss the position in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, has insisted that any delay would not be to allow Jose Maria Olazabal more time to make up his mind whether he wants to be in charge in Wales next year.

"I'm not naming any names, but we are not holding out for anybody," said Bjorn. "We need to think long and hard about it.

"The list of candidates is long and the longer we take the longer it will probably get, but we're not putting ourselves in a position where we have to announce it tomorrow.

"We want to go through all the factors that come into being Ryder Cup captain. There have been a lot of feelings expressed about this captaincy and the last one and we want that to settle.

"We are going to take our time. We don't need to decide tomorrow - the time when we do is before the points start in September.

"I would not be surprised if we don't announce it tomorrow. It's not set in stone.

"There are some very good candidates for many years to come."

Olazabal, captain of the European team beaten by Asia in the Royal Trophy in Bangkok at the weekend, said there: "I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that.

"I would love to be playing and I think maybe it is too soon, but time will tell."

Sandy Lyle, 2004 captain Ian Woosnam and Miguel Angel Jimenez have also had their names mentioned and Lyle has the support of Colin Montgomerie, a member of the tournament committee who is fully expected to be captain himself at Gleneagles in 2014.

Woosnam, of course, was the subject of an astonishing attack by Bjorn after the Welshman named Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood as his two wild cards for the K Club clash.

"Not my finest hour and that will hang over me for ever," stated Bjorn. "But things have to move on. You get emotional at times and I regret what happened, but I have dealt with it the best way I can and I am sure it's not at the forefront of Woosie's mind."

Bjorn was fined for his comments, but his standing rose again when he was chosen to succeed Jamie Spence as chairman of the players' body.

He went on to have his worst-ever season on the European Tour, dropping outside the top 100 on the Order of Merit and to 200th in the world, but puts that down to short game problems and a loss of confidence rather than the burdens of his new position.

"I'd like to think I can still challenge for the next Ryder Cup," added the 37-year-old, a member of the 1997 and 2002 winning teams.

"But it's certainly getting more difficult - the talent we have is huge."


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OLAZABAL CONSIDERING RYDER CUP ROLE
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CASEY AIMS FOR WINNING START

Englishman Paul Casey is relishing beginning his 2009 season at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships this week, where he hopes history will repeat itself.

The 31-year-old, who won there two years ago, is feeling refreshed and ready to make his assault on the Race to Dubai, but will be in a competitive field at the United Arab Emirates tournament which will include world number two Sergio Garcia and major champions Padraig Harrington and Trevor Immelman.

"I'm very much looking forward to 2009," said Casey.

"I feel like I have prepared well. I had some nice time off after the HSBC Champions, and then played Tiger's event (the Chevron World Challenge last month) and kind of used that to review aspects I needed to knuckle down hard on and worked very hard for the last two weeks before coming here.

"I feel good about the game and I'm looking forward to having a good 2009. I need to get back in the winners' circle. It's been a couple of years, actually, this event two years ago, so it's a good place to do that.

"Arriving back here gives me a little bit more confidence, having won around this golf course. I think it's a golf course for me that fits my eye very well. It allows me to play to my strengths a little bit, use my length off the tee.

"You get good feelings when you arrive on certain tee shots. You remember shots that you've hit and that's a good thing, to remember the good shots, anyway, and I've had plenty of them around this golf course."

Martin Kaymer is another contender who will tee off on Thursday, having won his first European Tour event there a year ago.

The 24-year-old German finished four shots ahead of Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood, and went on to enjoy a superb season, winning the BMW International and ending up eighth on the tour's Order of Merit.

He admits returning this week will bring back some fond memories.

"That was my first win on the European Tour so that's always very special," said Kaymer, who narrowly missed out on a place in Nick Faldo's Ryder Cup team.

"It was a big event and I won the first tournament of the year so that gave me a lot of motivation for the rest of the season.

"The win over here was very important to me, especially early in my career. It showed that I could win a tournament.

"It was very special when I came to the golf club yesterday. It was nice to walk down the 18th. It was a very special moment for me last year."

Kaymer, who started the Race to Dubai by finishing joint 20th in the HSBC Champions in November, believes his success on The National Course last year will stand him in good stead this time around.

"I think the most important thing here last year was that you put the ball on the fairway all the time because the rough was quite thick," he added.

"My driving was very, very good last year and I made a few putts in the first three rounds."


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OLAZABAL CONSIDERING RYDER CUP ROLE

Jose Maria Olazabal has asked for more time before deciding whether he will captain the European team in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

The Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's deputy as Europe surrendered the Ryder Cup to the United States in Valhalla last September, has previously been non-committal on the leadership role but appears to be warming to the idea despite suffering defeat in his first experience as captain.

The 42-year-old oversaw Europe's 10-6 loss to Asia in The Royal Trophy, stepping in for close friend and compatriot Seve Ballesteros - the 1997 Ryder Cup captain and victorious Royal Trophy skipper in 2006 and 2007 - who is recovering from surgery on a brain tumour.

But Europe's first defeat in the continental contest at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok has not dented his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Ballesteros in the biennial showdown with the United States.

"I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that," said Olazabal, who has been battling rheumatism in recent years.

"I've never denied that being captain of the Ryder Cup is something really special, it's a privilege, but it's always been like that."

His latest comments are likely to come as a boost to the European Tour's 15-man tournament committee, who meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

On the agenda is the subject of Faldo's successor, with Olazabal reportedly top of their wish list ahead of Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the winning skipper at the K Club in 2006.

But Olazabal, who made his Ryder Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 1987, stressed he would like to bid to make the team for an eighth time before committing to the top job.

"I would love to be playing - if these guys allow me," he added.

"I think maybe it is too soon (to be captain) but time will tell."

With the two-time Masters champion preferring to wait, any decision could be delayed until the committee meet again in May during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Olazabal certainly has the support of the players.

Soren Hansen, who was undefeated in The Royal Trophy, made his Ryder Cup debut under Faldo in Kentucky and has now played under Olazabal on two occasions.

"Olly has been a great captain," the Dane said.

"Olly has been great this week. He was great as an assistant to Faldo at The Ryder Cup and I would love to play under him in the future."

England's Nick Dougherty concurred.

"Olly is going to be a very worthy Ryder Cup captain one day," the 26-year-old said.

"Everything he does is class - his motivation, the way he handles people, everything."


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OGILVY CLINCHES VICTORY IN HAWAII

Geoff Ogilvy overcame a slow start to cruise to a six-stroke victory at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship.

The Australian entered the final round at Kapalua's Plantation Course with a six shot lead but made a poor start with bogeys at his first two holes.

The 31-year-old saw his lead cut to just one after making his fourth bogey of the day at the eighth but he steadied himself with an eagle at the ninth before reeling off a run of four consecutive birdies from the 12th to power away from the field.

Ogilvy finished with an eagle, seven birdies and four bogeys for a five-under-par 68, putting him at 24-under, six ahead of Anthony Kim (67) and Davis Love III (67).

Sean O'Hair fired the day's best round of eight-under 65 to move up to fourth on 17 under, a shot ahead of fifth-placed Justin Leonard (70).

South Africa's Ernie Els (67) shared sixth place with Americans Zach Johnson (67), Kenny Perry (70) and DJ Trahan (71) on 15 under.

Collated final round scores (USA unless stated, par 73):

268 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) 67 68 65 68

274 Anthony Kim 71 68 68 67, Davis Love III 69 70 68 67

275 Sean O'Hair 69 70 71 65

276 Justin Leonard 74 67 65 70

277 Kenny Perry 68 71 68 70, Zach Johnson 71 75 64 67, Ernie Els (Rsa) 68 69 73 67, D.J. Trahan 70 66 70 71

278 Johnson Wagner 68 71 70 69

279 Dustin Johnson 72 72 68 67

280 Will MacKenzie 72 70 69 69, Camilo Villegas (Col) 74 67 66 73, Chez Reavie 75 70 68 67

281 KJ Choi (Kor) 71 71 66 73, Boo Weekley 70 70 69 72

282 Carl Pettersson (Swe) 72 72 70 68

283 Adam Scott (Aus) 73 67 73 70, Brian Gay 72 70 70 71, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 69 70 74 70

284 Richard S Johnson (Swe) 72 72 71 69, Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 72 74 69 69

285 Cameron Beckman 76 73 66 70

286 Steve Lowery 69 75 70 72, Stewart Cink 74 67 71 74, Parker McLachlin 77 69 69 71

287 Daniel Chopra (Swe) 79 69 67 72, Vijay Singh (Fij) 73 73 71 70

288 J.B. Holmes 74 75 72 67, Greg Kraft 72 73 68 75

291 Ryan Palmer 78 75 72 66

295 Andres Romero (Arg) 78 74 71 72

296 Marc Turnesa 79 73 70 74


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MONTY BACKING FOR LYLE

Colin Montgomerie has backed Sandy Lyle to captain Europe in the 2010 Ryder Cup and has also admitted he has ambitions to lead the team in the future.

Celtic Manor in south Wales will host next year's event as Europe look to wrest back the trophy from the USA who enjoyed a comprehensive victory at Valhalla in September which saw captain Nick Faldo come in for some crushing criticism.

Lyle, the 1985 Open and 1988 US Masters champion, could face a challenge for the captaincy from Ian Woosnam, who led the team to victory in 2006, but he has stated his desire for the role and Montgomerie has backed the Scot.

Montgomerie told Sportsweek on BBC Radio Five Live: "I'd choose Sandy Lyle if I had the casting vote. It would be a shame of all that big side we had of (Bernhard) Langer and Seve (Ballesteros) and Faldo and Woosnam, if Sandy Lyle missed out."

Lyle quit last year's Open at Royal Birkdale after just 10 holes, later blaming a hand injury for his early withdrawal, but Montgomerie believes this should not adversely affect the 50-year-old's selection chances.

"I think you are talking to someone who sometimes regrets what I've done throughout my career," he continued.

"In every sporting arena there are people who regret what they have done and I'm sure he does walking off at the Open but that shouldn't affect him over his entire career.

"One so-called mistake shouldn't affect him as a Ryder Cup captain and the respect he has from the rest of the players.

"What is vital when it comes to a captaincy is the team respect him and I'm sure we all do."

The 45-year-old also revealed his ambition to captain Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles

"I would expect to (become captain one day) but one never knows when one has to be selected as part of committees and stuff," the Scot continued.

"I hope to but you never know.

"There is wrong time at the wrong place and the right time at the right place. I just hope I am in the right place come 2014 when it comes home here to Scotland."


Ailing Panthers owner attends game vs. Broncos
AMERICANS COULD STICK WITH AZINGER

IRISH OPEN BACK AT BALTRAY

The Irish Open will return to County Louth, Baltray, on May 14-17 this year - and the announcement of mobile phone company 3 as the new title sponsor is expected before the end of the month.

The course earned rave reviews when the event was played there in 2004, Australia's Brett Rumford holding off a strong challenge from local hero Padraig Harrington.

Harrington said: "I am delighted to hear that the Irish Open is returning to Baltray. It is certainly one of the most exciting links courses in the country and one I have enjoyed playing in the past.

I look forward to the tournament being a great success."

Fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley added: "I was a Member at County Louth as a junior and I am absolutely delighted that the Irish Open is going there.

"The event has probably gone from the best inland course in Ireland - Adare Manor - to the best links course in Ireland, in my opinion.

""Baltray hits the nail on the head for the spectators from the north and south. We have that new road from Dublin to Belfast which encourage great crowds, so it ticks all the boxes as a venue."


OU’s Stoops says he’s not up for Broncos’ job
HARRINGTON WINS SHOT OF THE YEAR

JEPPESEN AND FISHER SET PACE

Steven Jeppesen shares the lead with Trevor Fisher Jnr after the pair carded opening-round eight-under-par 63s at the Joburg Open on Thursday.

The Swede, who had an afternoon tee-off at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, managed to match his rival's earlier effort in a round that included two eagles and five birdies on the west course.

Playing on the same 18 holes, South African Fisher Jnr. was the clubhouse leader for most of the day with an astonishing six birdies through his opening nine holes setting him on his way.

Michael Hoey from Northern Ireland is a shot back after his round of 64 in the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, with Alfredo Garcia-Heredia, Edoardo Molinari, Patrik Sjoland, Andrew McLardy, Rafael Cabrera Bello and David Drysdale all on six under par - the latter two being the only players amongst the leaders to shoot bogey-free rounds.

Jeppesen, 24, who has never won on the European Tour with his best position being tied second at the Madeira Island Open in 2004, admitted afterwards that he was just thrilled with his start.

"It was a good round today and I'm very pleased," he said.

"It started well with that eagle on the second and then I had a good couple of opportunities on three and four.

"Before I went out there I saw that there were a lot of guys shooting good scores today on the first six holes."

Fisher Jnr. has previously won the FNB Botswana Open, Eskom Power Cup and Seekers Travel Pro-Am - all lesser-known Sunshine Tour events. He showed impressive form on the opening day and attributed his performance to a flying front nine.

He said: "It's always nice to have a good start. You open up with a little six-under and yeah, I started birdie, birdie which was good.

"I had nice rhythm today and I putted really well. I gave myself some nice opportunities. I was quite patient which is a good thing for me as I don't feel rushed, and maybe I can maintain it now for three more days."

Ballymoney-born Hoey, who carded a 75 in the opening round last year, said: "I am pretty happy, I played here last year and the weather wasn't great.

"It didn't help as I wasn't playing well at all.

"But today it was pretty hot so the ball was going longer and that helped. I got off to a good start as well."

Defending champion Richard Sterne will have to dig deep over the next three days if he is to defend his title after ending a disappointing opening round with a level-par 71.

He said: "I actually got off to a decent start, but felt a little tired and made really weak birdies on the back nine.

"Tomorrow I can hopefully do something good and get back into it. It's a strange game and you never know what you are going to get really."

Another strong contender is two-time major winner Retief Goosen, who ended his opening day with a one-under 70, two shots worse off than 2007 champion Ariel Canete of Argentina, while Englishman Chris Wood finished with a two-under 69.

The first two rounds of the tournament are taking place on both the east and west courses after which the last two rounds will finish on the east.

Collated first round scores

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71):

63 Steven Jeppesen (Swe), Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa)

64 Michael Hoey

65 Patrik Sjoland (Swe), David Drysdale, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (Spa), Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa), Edoardo Molinari (Ita), Andrew McLardy (Rsa)

66 Peter Kaensche (Nor), Jan Are Larsen (Nor), Maarten Lafeber (Ned), Michele Reale (Ita), Martin Maritz (Rsa)

67 David Carter, Hennie Otto (Rsa), Jeppe Huldahl (Den), Brett Liddle (Rsa), Jean Hugo (Rsa), Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa), Danny Willett, Omar Sandys (Rsa), James Morrison, Alexandre Rocha (Bra), Carl Suneson (Spa), Oliver Bekker (Rsa), Alessandro Tadini (Ita), Taco Remkes (Ned), Justin Walters (Rsa), James Ruth

68 Divan Van Den Heever (Rsa), Garth Mulroy (Rsa), Adilson Da Silva (Bra), Anders Schmidt Hansen (Den), Dion Fourie (Rsa), Tyrone Ferreira (Rsa), Charl Coetzee (Rsa), Brandon Pieters (Rsa), Martin Wiegele (Aut), Henrik Nystrom (Swe), Richie Ramsay, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Bobby Lincoln (Rsa), Darren Fichardt (Rsa), Kasper linnet Jorgensen (Den), David Dixon, Callie Swart (Rsa), Keith Horne (Rsa), Ariel Canete (Arg), Christopher Doak

69 Carlos Del Moral (Spa), Steve Lewton, Mikko Korhonen (Fin), Jose-Filipe Lima (Por), John E Morgan, Ryan Thompson (Rsa), Federico Colombo (Ita), Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa), Deane Pappas (Rsa), Prinavin Nelson (Rsa), Chris Wood, Richard McEvoy, Andrew Curlewis (Rsa), Jake Roos (Rsa), Carlos Rodiles (Spa), Gary Lockerbie, Phillip Archer, Thomas Aiken (Rsa), Andrew Wilson (Rsa), Wes Heffernan (Can), Nic Henning (Rsa), Doug McGuigan, Grant Veenstra (Rsa), Kevin Stone (Rsa), Joel Sjoholm (Swe), Klas Eriksson (Swe), Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa), David Hewan (Rsa), Desvonde Botes (Rsa), Henk Alberts (Rsa), Joakim Haeggman (Swe), Chris Williams (Rsa), James Kamte (Rsa)

70 Chris Gane, Branden Grace (Rsa), Clodomiro Carranza (Arg), Andre Bossert (Swi), Hendrik Buhrmann (Rsa), Warren Abery (Rsa), Ulrich Van Den Berg (Rsa), Tyrone Mordt (Rsa), Peter Whiteford, Estanislao Goya (Arg), Francois Delamontagne (Fra), Tc Charamba (Zim), Ryan Cairns (Zim), Michiel Bothma (Rsa), Dominique Nouailhac (Fra), Grant Muller (Rsa), Mark f Haastrup (Den), Christiaan Basson (Rsa), Retief Goosen (Rsa), Edrich Jansen (Rsa), Dylan Frittelli (Rsa), Lorenzo Gagli (Ita), Ruan Botha (Rsa), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe), Lindani Ndwandwe (Rsa)

71 Merrick Bremner (Rsa), Michael Mcgeady, James Kingston (Rsa), Anders Hansen (Den), Liam Bond, Gerhard Trytsman (Rsa), Ockie Strydom (Rsa), Iain Pyman, Dale Marmion, Jacques Blaauw (Rsa), Alex Haindl (Rsa), Steve Basson (Rsa), Garry Houston, Alan McLean, Morne Buys (Rsa), Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa), Dawie Van der Walt (Rsa), Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Marcus Higley, Nico Van Rensburg (Rsa), Richard Sterne (Rsa)

72 Jonathan Caldwell, John Mellor, Leif Westerberg (Swe), Graham De laet (Can), Noel Fox, Birgir Hafthorsson (Ice), David Frost (Rsa), Johan Etsebeth (Rsa), Anthony Snobeck (Fra), Wil Besseling (Ned), Thabang Simon (Rsa), Antti Ahokas (Fin), Cameron Johnston (Rsa), Bernd Wiesberger (Aut), Sam Little, Anthony Grenier (Fra), Anton Haig (Rsa), Keenan Davidse (Rsa), Andre Cruse (Rsa), Marc Cayeux (Zim), Sion Bebb, Gary Clark, Rolf Muntz (Ned), Sam Walker, Wallie Coetsee (Rsa)

73 Neil Cheetham, Steven O'Hara, Simon Griffiths, Gregory Molteni (Ita), Johan De buisson (Rsa), Andrew McArthur, Eirik Tage Johansen (Nor), Roland Steiner (Aut), Mark Murless (Rsa), Darryn Lloyd (Rsa), Marc Farry (Fra), Richard Bland, Jaco Ahlers (Rsa), Stuart Manley, Bradley Davison (Rsa), Inder Van Weerelt (Ned), Ryan Tipping (Rsa)

74 Reggie Adams (Rsa), Andrew Butterfield, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa), Eugene Marugi (Rsa), Josh Cunliffe (Rsa), Julien Guerrier (Fra), Heinrich Bruiners (Rsa), Johan Wahlqvist (Swe), Bradford Vaughan (Rsa), Louis De jager (Rsa), Callum Macaulay, Ross Wellington (Rsa), Louis Moolman (Rsa), Teboho Sefatsa(Rsa), Michael Curtis (Zim), Van Phillips

75 Alphuis Kelapile (Rsa), Jonathan Lomas, Derik Ferreira (Rsa), Riaan De bruyn(Rsa), Steve Van Vuuren (Rsa)

76 Titch Moore (Rsa), Ben Evans, Andre Ferreira (Rsa), Pg Van zyl (Rsa), Lars Brovold (Nor), Javier Colomo (Spa), Rafael Echenique (Arg)

77 Stuart Davis, Des Terblanche (Rsa), Neil Schietekat (Rsa)

78 Dean Lambert (Rsa), Simon Wakefield, Mohammed Tayob (Rsa)

79 David Griffiths

80 Ake Nilsson (Rsa), Emmanuel Masoliedze (Rsa)

82 Musolo Nethunzwi (Rsa)

84 John Bele (Rsa)


TRIO SET THE EARLY PACE
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OGILVY REMAINS ON TOP IN HAWAII

Geoff Ogilvy maintained his lead at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii after firing a five-under-par 68 in the second round.

The 31-year-old Australian followed a bogey-free first round of 67 with another superb round at Kapalua's Plantation Course to reach the halfway mark at 11 under, one shot ahead of DJ Trahan and two clear of Ernie Els.

Ogilvy began well with five birdies on the front nine including a run of three straight from the fourth to sixth and was six under for the day after making another on the 15th.

His flawless streak came to an end when he bogeyed the 17th but a par at the final hole ensured his place at the top of the leaderboard.

Trahan blistered the course with a seven-under 66 that featured seven birdies and an eagle offset by two bogeys as he moved from a tie for ninth after an opening-round 70 up to second spot.

Els hung in despite a rough front nine that featured a pair of bogeys. The South African was strong on the back nine, posting birdies on the 13th, 15th and 18th as he finished with a four-under 69 to improve to nine under.

Anthony Kim is in a six-way tie for fourth after firing a 68 to join Kenny Perry (71), Sean O'Hair (70), Ryuji Imada (70), Johnson Wagner (71) and Davis Love III (70) on seven under.

Defending champion Daniel Chopra completed his second round with a four-under 69 and is two over 148 overall while 2007 winner Vijay Singh, who will undergo knee surgery following the event, is even par after posting consecutive 73s.

Collated second round scores & totals

(USA unless stated, par 73):

135 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) 67 68

136 D.J. Trahan 70 66

137 Ernie Els (Rsa) 68 69

139 Kenny Perry 68 71, Anthony Kim 71 68, Sean O'Hair 69 70, Davis Love III 69 70, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 69 70, Johnson Wagner 68 71

140 Adam Scott (Aus) 73 67, Boo Weekley 70 70

141 Justin Leonard 74 67, Stewart Cink 74 67, Camilo Villegas (Col) 74 67

142 Will MacKenzie 72 70, KJ Choi (Kor) 71 71, Brian Gay 72 70

144 Dustin Johnson 72 72, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 72 72, Steve Lowery 69 75, Carl Pettersson (Swe) 72 72

145 Greg Kraft 72 73, Chez Reavie 75 70

146 Zach Johnson 71 75, Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 72 74, Vijay Singh (Fij) 73 73, Parker McLachlin 77 69

148 Daniel Chopra (Swe) 79 69

149 J.B. Holmes 74 75, Cameron Beckman 76 73

152 Andres Romero (Arg) 78 74, Marc Turnesa 79 73

153 Ryan Palmer 78 75


OGILVY CLAIMS LEAD IN HAWAII
OGILVY TRIUMPHS DOWN UNDER
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ASIA EDGE AHEAD

Asia's bid for a first victory in the Royal Trophy was on track after the hosts took a 3-1 advantage over Europe after the opening foursomes.

Europe were twice ahead in all four matches early on but blustery conditions hampered their progress on a topsy-turvy opening day at the pristine Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

Asia bounced back to lead in three matches around the turn and consolidated their position on the inward nine as they took the ascendancy in their attempt to derail Europe's bid for a third successive title.

Scotland's Paul Lawrie and Denmark's Soren Hansen defeated Japanese duo Ryo Ishikawa and Toru Taniguchi 2&1 in the front group before Thai pair Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng wrapped up a comfortable 5&4 triumph over Niclas Fasth and Johan Edfors to draw the tournament level.

China's Liang Wen-chong and South Korea's Charlie Wi won the last three holes to finish two up against Paul McGinley and Spain's Pablo Larrazabal - the Irishman's first loss in three appearances in the event.

Englishmen Oliver Wilson and Nick Dougherty then stumbled at the last as Hideto Tanihara and SK Ho secured a two-point advantage for Asia going into the fourballs.

Lawrie believes remaining patient was the key to the triumph in the leading match.

The Scot and partner Hansen were ahead for much of the outward nine but Ishikawa and Taniguchi hit birdies on holes nine and 10 and remained one up until the 14th.

A bogey by the Asian pair drew the contest level before successive birdies put Europe two up with two to play.

"We've both played Ryder Cup and you learn to expect the unexpected," said Lawrie, who played in the 1999 Ryder Cup in Brookline and is making his debut in the Royal Trophy a decade on.

"They holed a few big, big putts just to stay one up, but you expect that in these types of team matches.

"You've just got to keep going and keep grinding away and hope for a break.

"Sixteen was a big hole for us. I decided to knock it down there and Soren hit a beautiful chip into the green - much the same as he had on 15 - and I managed to roll the putt in."

Buoyed by a partisan support, Thongchai and Prayad made five birdies in the opening eight holes to leave their Swedish opponents in their wake.

Fasth and Edfors could not recover and conceded holes 11 and 13 before a further European bogey ensured the Thai duo would level the tournament.

"We were slow starting as every match we were down but we came back," Thongchai said.

"After turning the front nine leading by two holes we were confident.

"We had a good partnership going and it was a good win."

McGinley and Larrazabal led from hole three to hole 11 before dropping back to all-square on 12.

They went one up on the next hole but Wi and Liang made a birdie three on hole 16 and Europe bogeyed the par-three 17th to fall behind at the last.

McGinley and Larrazabal then endured a disastrous closing hole as the tried in vain to win half a point.

The Irishman's tee shot found the water on the left before the Spaniard found a bunker with Europe's third shot.

McGinley played out on to the fairway and Larrazabal's second effort - Europe's fifth - found the cart path.

Wi and Liang progressed untroubled and the European pair eventually conceded defeat.

Tanihara and Ho overturned an early deficit to take a one-stroke lead at the turn over Wilson and Dougherty.

The lead was extended to two on the 13th, but Dougherty's tee shot set up a birdie two on the par-three 14th and Europe won the 15th with a par to square the contest.

The match remained level going down the 18th but Wilson and Dougherty lost the hole and the match as Asia took the honours on the opening day.

Collated day one scores (Team Europe names first):

Foursomes:

Soren Hansen & Paul Lawrie bt Ryo Ishikawa & Toru Taniguchi 2 and 1

Paul McGinley & Pablo Larrazabal lost to Charlie Wi & Wen-chong Liang 2 down

Oliver Wilson & Nick Dougherty lost to S K Ho & Hideto Tanihara 1 down

Niclas Fasth & Johan Edfors lost to Thongchai Jaidee & Prayad Marksaeng 5 and 4

Asia lead Europe 3-1


WILSON TARGETS MAIDEN TRIUMPH
Panthers-Giants showdown flexed to prime time

OGILVY CLAIMS LEAD IN HAWAII

Geoff Ogilvy fired a six-under-par 67 to grab the first-round lead at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii.

Ernie Els, Kenny Perry and Johnson Wagner are all one shot back after the trio carded rounds of 68.

The 31-year-old Ogilvy managed three birdies on both the front and back nine as he mastered Kapalua's Plantation Course.

Els held a one-shot lead midway through the first round after racing to four-under par through his first six holes. The South African eagled the par-five third hole before birdieing the sixth.

Els moved to six-under with birdies on the ninth and 11th before dropping a shot after bogeying the par-five 15th.

A three-time major winner, Els has won only one event since the beginning of the 2005 season.

Perry recorded an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys in his round which finished with a birdie on the par-five 18th.

Wagner enjoyed an eventful time in his 68 as the 28-year-old fired six birdies, three bogeys and sank an eagle on the 18th.

Davis Love III, Steve Lowery, Sean O'Hair and Ryuji Imada sit in a four-way tie for fourth at four-under.

With Tiger Woods still working his way back from knee surgery, the focus will be on some of last season's breakthrough players.

One to keep an eye on is Anthony Kim, who won last year's Wachovia Championship and AT&T National and earned $4,656,265.

Kim birdied his final two holes to finish two-under with a round of 71.

Vijay Singh, who will undergo knee surgery following the completion of the tournament, shot an even-par round of 73.

Defending champion Daniel Chopra of Sweden finished seven-over after a disappointing 79 that included three bogeys and four double bogeys along with four birdies.

Collated first-round scores (USA unless stated, par 73):

67 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus)

68 Kenny Perry, Ernie Els (Rsa), Johnson Wagner

69 Sean O'Hair, Davis Love III, Ryuji Imada (Jpn), Steve Lowery

70 Boo Weekley, D.J. Trahan

71 Anthony Kim, Zach Johnson, KJ Choi (Kor)

72 Dustin Johnson, Will MacKenzie, Richard S Johnson (Swe), Trevor Immelman (Rsa), Brian Gay, Greg Kraft, Carl Pettersson (Swe)

73 Adam Scott (Aus), Vijay Singh (Fij)

74 Justin Leonard, J.B. Holmes, Camilo Villegas (Col), Stewart Cink

75 Chez Reavie

76 Cameron Beckman

77 Parker McLachlin

78 Andres Romero (Arg), Ryan Palmer

79 Daniel Chopra (Swe), Marc Turnesa


OGILVY TRIUMPHS DOWN UNDER
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WILSON TARGETS MAIDEN TRIUMPH

Oliver Wilson is aiming to shed his 'nearly man' tag in 2009 and is targeting success in The Race to Dubai.

The 28-year-old from Mansfield finished runner-up five times in 2008 - four in the 2008 season and once in the 2009 campaign - to leave him still searching for a first professional victory.

However, refreshed from a month-long break, Wilson is looking to build on a promising 2008 which saw him make his Ryder Cup debut and finish 11th in the European Tour order of merit standings.

"It'd be nice to get a couple of wins this year," said Wilson ahead of The Royal Trophy in Bangkok.

"Obviously one would be nice - I think that'll happen this year.

"I want to win The Race to Dubai - it'd be nice to win that this first year.

"I'm off to a good start and I feel like my game is more consistent than it was last year."

Wilson currently lies second behind Sergio Garcia in The Race to Dubai table after finishing sixth and second in his two tournaments on the 2009 calendar.

Following his second place at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai in November, Wilson has now finished runner-up nine times in his career.

But he is confident a new physical regime will improve the consistency of his swing and he will reap the rewards with improved results.

"If I bring the base level of my golf swing up to where everything else is then I'm going to be in contention every week and that's obviously the goal," he added.

The first victory could even come in a major, according to Wilson, who admitted he performed poorly in the top events last term.

"I'm pretty confident," he said. "Who knows my first win might be a major - I know I can get myself up there."

The Masters in April would be the perfect place for Wilson - an Augusta State University graduate - to break his duck.

"That's the highlight, so far, for this coming year - I can't wait," said Wilson, who plans to call in a few favours to earn extra practice time at the Augusta National ahead of the first major of 2009.

"I've got a lot of good wishes from people in Augusta and I'm really looking forward to getting out there and getting a few practice rounds in beforehand.

"I've got a few lined up - I've had a few offers. I'll try to get out there as much as I can and I'll see how many members I can tap up."

For now, Wilson is focused on helping Europe defeat Asia to claim a third successive victory in The Royal Trophy.

He will be partnered by big-hitting Englishman Nick Dougherty in the opening day's foursomes and is looking forward to facing Japan's Hideto Tanihara and South Korea's SK Ho.

"I'm happy to be playing with Nick," he added.

"I'm going to be playing from positions I'm not used to. I played nine holes with him yesterday and he was hitting it miles.

"I'm looking forward to it, lots of short irons and stuff."


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LOFTY WOOD AIMING HIGH

Chris Wood has set his sights on finishing in the top 60 on the Order of Merit standings this season ahead of the Joburg Open this week.

The Englishman, who only turned pro after finishing fifth at The Open Championship last year, has made a storming start to his first full season on the Tour.

He finished tied 16th and sixth in his opening two events, both in South Africa - the Alfred Dunhill Championship and SA Open - and admits that with a little more work on his game he can improve even more.

"I've started out pretty well," he said ahead of the R2.25 million (Ј155,000) event.

"I've felt like I've just played my normal game really and there's so much more work I can do with my swing and my putting especially.

"I think I'm top of greens in regulation at the moment and if I can keep hitting the ball the way I am and get the putter going a bit, I'm going to start competing more. So that's what I'm looking to work on."

The main target for Wood this year, though, is qualifying for the season-ending Dubai World Championship, the climax of the inaugural Race to Dubai, which has been renamed from the European Tour. The top 60 players will be given the honour of playing for the US 10-million prize.

"The top 60 in the Order of Merit is by far achievable, definitely, and to get into that will be a pretty good first season," Wood added.

"I haven't really thought about world ranking. I mean, the better you play, it takes care of itself. So I'm really just trying to concentrate on the European Tour and get into the top 60 of the Order of Merit."

Asked if he knows the reason for his impressive early form, Wood replied: "Coming out into some nice weather like here definitely cheers you up a little.

"The courses have been really good and they have been really good tournaments.

"Also, it's early on in the year, so you're really fresh and keen to get going quickly."

Along with Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and Anders Hansen of Denmark, the only two Europeans in the top 100, Wood is one of the more higher-profiled players from that continent teeing-off at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on Thursday.

The other contenders from the 206-player field are all South African, including defending champion Richard Sterne, who has won back-to-back titles, and two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen.


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STERNE CHASING HAT-TRICK

Richard Sterne is hoping to build on his superb ending to 2008 with another strong performance when the Joburg Open tees off on Thursday.

The South African, who is the defending champion at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, could equal a 22-year-old European Tour record at the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour event by winning a third consecutive title - he claimed victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and SA Open at the back end of last year.

Those two victories mean he could now become the first player since Seve Ballesteros in 1986 to claim three European Tour wins in succession, but he insists that it is not something that has crossed his mind.

"I haven't really thought much about it, although some people have talked to me about it," Sterne said. "I think the important thing for people to know is that it's not that easy to go out there and win a tournament.

"It's not the kind of thing you just decide to do one day. Come Sunday, I just hope I've got a chance, that's all."

Sterne's dream December propelled him into 43rd position in the world rankings, making him the highest ranked player and clear favourite in this week's 206-player field.

His biggest challenge is likely to come from fellow countrymen Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open winner, Charl Schwartzel and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke.

The Johannesburg golfer has attributed his recent success to "enjoying" his golf more, but is nonetheless aware that he will have to work hard to live up to expectations.

He continued: "Obviously I'm pretty happy with my game at the moment, although there is room for improvement. All the aspects of my game can do with tightening up - there's always something.

"I'm over the euphoria (of last year) now. It was nice to have done what I did, but it's a new year now and we all have to go out and do it all again."

As for the pressure heading into the competition, Sterne added: "There is probably a little extra pressure, but to be honest, I don't really feel it.

"There is no difference between this tournament and any other one I go out to play in."

Another player bidding to build on his flying finish to 2008 is Chris Wood.

The Englishman, who is playing his first full season since turning pro, finished tied for 16th and sixth in the same two events that Sterne won and is confident a slight improvement in his game could see him improve even further in 2009.

He said: "I've started out pretty well. I've felt like I've just played my normal game really and there's so much more work I can do with my swing and my putting especially.

"I think I'm top of greens in regulation at the moment and if I can keep hitting the ball the way I am and get the putter going a bit, I'm going to start competing more. So that's what I'm looking to work on."


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SCOTT OUT TO SHINE IN 2009

Adam Scott admits he learnt a lot from a difficult 2008 and is now looking to make 2009 his most successful year yet.

Despite six wins on both the PGA and European Tours - including victory at the 2004 Players Championship, regarded as the unofficial fifth major - the gifted Australian is still viewed by observers as something of an underachiever.

The lazy swing and laid-back attitude are often interpreted as signs of a lack of intensity and hunger in a player many tipped to challenge Tiger Woods' hegemony of the game.

But Scott insists that is not the case and, following an injury and illness-plagued 2008, is determined to make his mark in 2009's biggest tournaments.

While his recent problems may have seen him slip from a career-high of third to 15th in the world, the Adelaide-born star feels he is now ready to rediscover his best form.

"It (2008) was a good year for me to look back on and learn a lot out of it," Scott explained on the eve of this week's Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii.

"It was the first time in my career that I had really struggled, and it wasn't even really struggling on the course.

"It was more just a bit of a struggle with everything else going on, frustrating injury, illness, some personal stuff, and probably the first time there was a bump in the road for me. Before that, my career had just cruised along nicely.

"I have high expectations for myself and I think I've done well, but I could have achieved more. But it's all part of the process.

"Winning the Players Championship was great but it feels like a lifetime ago now, and it's gone quick.

"You know, that's what I want to feel again. I want to feel that big win. A lot of hard work went into that, and that's what I want to get back in to doing."

Finally clear of the recurring tonsillitis that dogged him over the last 12 months, Scott is still battling to regain full fitness following a freak knee injury, sustained whilst surfing, that ruled him out of December's Australian Open.

However, although unsure exactly how the problem will respond, he remains confident he is in good enough shape to compete in Maui where winners from the 2008 PGA Tour season are brought together for the traditional curtain-raiser.

"I'm not really sure how I'm playing," added Scott, who qualifies for this week's event courtesy of his victory at the Byron Nelson Championship last April.

"It (the knee) feels pretty good, although I haven't played for a long time. The knee is probably about 90 percent. It's pretty good and obviously good enough to be here."


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Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal will forever be linked for their peerless matchplay partnership - now the latter is aiming to win The Royal Trophy this week on behalf of his absent friend.

The Spanish duo formed the most formidable pairing in Ryder Cup history with 11 wins and two halves from 15 matches.

Olazabal is now hoping to emulate Ballesteros' captaincy record as he makes his first foray into leadership in Bangkok.

"Seve has shown through the years how good he was as a player on the golf course and as a captain - I'm trying to follow his steps," said the 42-year-old.

Ballesteros was the visionary behind The Royal Trophy - an annual matchplay contest between Europe and Asia - and was the victorious captain in the first two events, in 2006 and 2007.

However, the 51-year-old, who also led Europe to Ryder Cup glory in 1997, will not be attending the third edition of the event - the tournament was cancelled in 2008 after a death in the Thai Royal family - after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October.

Following a series of operations, Ballesteros is recovering at home in Bilbao, northern Spain, so Olazabal has stepped in as European captain for the Ryder Cup-style event which begins with Friday's foursomes at Amata Spring Country Club.

Olazabal is confident of succeeding Ballesteros as the winning captain and expects his team of Nick Dougherty, Johan Edfors, Niclas Fasth, Soren Hansen, Pablo Larrazabal, Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley and Oliver Wilson to defeat Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki's Asian side.

"It's not going to be easy, but with these eight men I'm quite positive we will win this week," he added.

His friend Ballesteros has leant his support and will be observing the competition from afar.

The five-time major winner reiterated his determination to make a full recovery in a letter read by his nephew at the opening ceremony.

"Even though I'm not there today, somehow my heart and my thoughts are there with you," read Ivan Ballesteros, who is a promoter of the event.

"I'm at home recovering and working hard every day. I will keep fighting and doing all in my heart and in my head to win my most difficult match.

"I hope I see you again next year, hopefully defending the title once again as captain of the European side."

Olazabal, who was visibly moved as the letter was being read, revealed he has been in regular contact with Ballesteros and that his compatriot's indomitable spirit remains.

"His only instructions were to win," added Olazabal.

"I've seen Seve a few times in the last few weeks. He's actually doing very well considering what he has gone through.

"His spirits are very high, he's really working hard at the rehab, he's trying to recover completely and he's getting stronger so he can get chemotherapy treatment and so on.

"He's in great spirits, he's thinking of doing things and, as Ivan said, he's aiming to be healthy again and to battle this thing.

"So far the news has been very, very good."

Like Ballesteros, Olazabal, who is troubled by rheumatism, has vowed to return to full health.

Nick Faldo's vice-captain at the 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla, Olazabal is a possible candidate for the top job in future.

However, ahead of his first tournament as captain he stressed his priority is to make a playing return.

"I'm just concentrating on this week," he said.

"I'm not thinking about the Ryder Cup captaincy at the moment - I'm more concerned about my health.

"I'm not 100%. I still have a few things going on but hopefully everything will be clear shortly and I'll be able to play competitive golf again soon.

"The good thing about me being captain is that I'm old enough to have played with most of these guys.

"I know the players quite well and we've known each other for many years."

Europe won a one-sided contest 12 1/2-3 1/2 in 2007, but Ozaki believes his Asian side can win for the first time.

"I was disappointed with the result of the last one, but I want revenge and I want to beat Jose Maria's team very badly," said Ozaki.

Thai duo Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng are joined by Charlie Wi, SK Ho, Liang Wen-chong, Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara and Toru Taniguchi in the Asian team.


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Seve Ballesteros' competitive spirit is continuing throughout his recovery and he has urged his good friend Jose Maria Olazabal to lead Europe to glory in the Royal Trophy this week.

The 51-year-old Spaniard is recovering at home in Bilbao, northern Spain, following four operations on a brain tumour which was diagnosed after he collapsed in Madrid in October.

In a letter read by his nephew, Ivan Ballesteros, at the opening ceremony of the Royal Trophy in Bangkok, the former European Ryder Cup captain and five-time major winner reiterated his determination to make a full recovery.

"Even though I'm not there today, somehow my heart and my thoughts are there with you," the letter read.

"I'm at home recovering and working hard every day. I will keep fighting and doing all in my heart and in my head to win my most difficult match.

"I hope I see you again next year, hopefully defending the title once again as captain of the European side."

Olazabal, who was visibly moved as the letter was being read, has taken the role of European captain for the third edition of the matchplay contest with Asia.

The 42-year-old revealed he has been in regular contact with Ballesteros, who captained the European team in each of the previous two matches, and that his compatriot's indomitable spirit remains.

"His only instructions were to win," said Olazabal.

"I've seen Seve a few times in the last few weeks. He's actually doing very well considering what he has gone through.

"His spirits are very high, he's really working hard at the rehab, he's trying to recover completely and he's getting stronger so he can get chemotherapy treatment and so on.

"He's in great spirits, he's thinking of doing things, and, as Ivan said, he's aiming to be healthy again and to battle this thing.

"So far the news has been very, very good."

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WATCH WOOD AND WILLETT GO

Only eight years ago Lee Westwood was all on his own - the only English golfer in the world's top 100.

How things have changed. Now there are seven in the top 50 - and almost certainly more on the way.

Last month's European Tour qualifying school saw Yorkshireman Danny Willett and Bristol's Chris Wood, both now 21, underline their huge potential by finishing fourth and joint fifth respectively.

The pair were still amateurs this time last year.

The 6ft 5in Wood switched straight after his phenomenal fifth place in The Open at Royal Birkdale - the best performance by any amateur in any major since Justin Rose was fourth on the same course a decade ago - while Willett turned professional in May.

Both were hoping to emulate Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy by playing well enough immediately to avoid the school. They ended up having to go through the ordeal, but the way they handled it was mighty impressive.

They each had to go through not just the six-round final stage but also two earlier 72-hole qualifiers. That is 14 rounds in all, any one of which could have ruined their dreams of joining the money-spinning 'Race To Dubai', yet they finished 42 under par and 36 under.

Willett was a team-mate of McIlroy at the 2007 Walker Cup and had gone on from that to be the number one amateur in the world when he made his presence felt the moment he first showed up at a Tour event.

His first hole at the Andalucia Open was an eagle; he had another six holes later, and only a last-hole bogey stopped him sharing the opening-day lead with Ryder Cup star Westwood.

A 19th-place finish there was followed by a 10th place at the Spanish Open - including third-round 64 - and with that he decided the time was right to go pro.

''So far so good,'' is the verdict of the former English amateur champion seven months on.

''Yes, it would have been great not to have to go through qualifying. But I always knew that was going to be difficult - and by getting under par quickly at the school, I was never in danger of missing the cut.''

Once he had posted a third-round 63, he could focus not simply on earning a card but finishing as high as possible - important because it guarantees more starts in the early part of the season.

Willett already has the evidence that he does not need to take his game to a whole new level to find more success.

From the tournaments he played in the 2007 season, his stroke average of 70.9 was the same as Open and USPGA champion Padraig Harrington and better than half the Ryder Cup team - while he actually led the 'putts per greens in regulation' category.

''People think it's a big leap (from the amateur to professional game), but if you are shooting good numbers it does not matter who you are playing against.''

With Sam Torrance's former caddie Malcolm Mason using his experience to guide Willett through the Tour school process, their partnership is certainly one to watch in the coming months.

With all the riches on offer it is a heaven-sent opportunity - appropriately-enough for the son of the Reverend Steve Willett, vicar of Christ Church in Hackenthorpe.

''I've got a team of people around me that love me a lot,'' he added.

The biggest disappointment he suffered during the year was double-bogeying the last hole at Hillside to miss out on The Open.

Wood came through that qualifier instead - and from being little-known at the time, he became one of the central characters of the championship. Paired with eventual runner-up Ian Poulter in the final round, he still had a chance to win himself with nine holes to play.

''At the time The Open was as good as golf can get, but knowing that I have a full year on tour ahead of me is just as good,'' he said, after securing his card.

''I have worked really hard for it, so feel I deserve everything that I have achieved. This caps a pretty amazing year for me.''

The first task for both, of course, is to ensure they do not have to return to the Tour school at the end of 2009.

''It's just a horrible week, with all the pressure and everything that comes with it,'' added Wood.

''I never want to come back here again.''


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