Rocca's unkindest cut

Costantino Rocca this week begins in earnest his quest for a fourth Ryder Cup appearance after recovering from a cut more painful than any he has missed on the European Tour.

The popular Italian has figured in the last three teams for the biennial match with America, and defeated world number one Tiger Woods in the singles to help Europe retain the trophy in 1997.

But the 42-year-old from Bergamo arrived at the £350,000 Madeira Island Open, which begins today, only 27th in the cup points standings, after a best finish of tied for 46th in his four events this year and being forced to miss the opening four tournaments.

He faces an uphill battle to make it four Ryder Cups in a row at the clash in Boston in September, after a "crazy" accident at the end of last year.

"I was late in starting the season," Rocca explained. "I was trying to open a bottle of wine with a knife and I cut my finger (middle finger, right hand), it was not nice. The cork would not come out and I tried to remove it but I sliced the tendon and had to have five stitches. Crazy. I had to go straight to hospital. "I wanted to start practising early for this year but I couldn't hit a ball for nearly a month. But it is much better now. I am starting to swing and play better. I just need to play now. I can't play one week then stop. That's why I'm here. I need more and more golf."

As Rocca chases the £58,000 first prize at Santo da Serra, he knows he will have to rediscover the form that has brought him four European Tour victories.

His main opposition in Madeira will come from Order of Merit leader David Howell and Van Phillips, both winners already this season, as well as in-form John Bickerton and Ryder Cup skipper Mark James. Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Des Smyth will also be hoping to make an impression.

James is playing well enough to suggest he could qualify for the team himself, despite a spot of tendonitis in his left arm. But he insists he will not play and captain the side simultaneously, even if his experience from eight cup appearances could be vital.