Four lose ground in Ryder race

Four players from the current top-12 of the Ryder Cup points table, are in danger of losing the battle for places at Valderrama. The vulnerable quartet are Thomas Bjorn, Miguel-Angel Martin, Costantino

Rocca and Paul Broadhurst.

In an analysis of relative standings between now and the start of the year and now and the middle of April, these are the only four whose fortunes have been in decline in both cases. And it is interesting that Broadhurst was a member of the 1991 team while Rocca played a key role in the triumph at Oak Hill two years ago.

The positions of only two players have remained constant. Colin

Montgomerie started the year with such a handsome lead at the top of the table, that only a disastrous drop in form could have shifted him from the number one position. Meanwhile, Per-Ulrik Johansson, another member of the 1995 team, has remained at number six.

The British Open is perceived as a critical stage in the shaping of a potential Ryder Cup side. And of the players currently in decline, one suspects that skipper Seve Ballesteros would be seriously concerned only about Rocca, who was undoubtedly an asset at

Oak Hill.

Recurring back problems caused the Italian to withdraw from the US

Open and after 17 tournaments in Europe, he currently finds himself languishing in 55th position in the Order of Merit, his lowest placing since 1989. On the other hand, Ballesteros would undoubtedly welcome the progress of Harrington, who has improved eight positions since the beginning of the year and Langer, who wasn't even in the top-20 last January. Then, of course, there has been the marvellous comeback by Jose-Maria Olazabal.

Those who have dropped out of the top-12 since January are Sam

Torrance, Jean Van de Velde and Peter Mitchell. It is difficult to foresee a significant upturn in their fortunes but Broadhurst clearly has the talent to battle his way back into contention. But Langer's improvement has to be encouraging for the skipper, as has the dramatic leap of 14 places by Woosnam, since the start of the year.

Either way, with six qualifying events remaining, the increasing pressure seems to be bringing the stronger contenders to the fore.

And, in the general way of sport, the weaker ones are losing ground, irretrievably so in some cases.