James sets Ryder agenda

Ryder Cup captain Mark James yesterday warned Nick Faldo he can expect no special treatment as he struggles to qualify for the European team to face the US in September.

"Any player who wants to be in the side will have to show form," said James as he prepared for the £400,000 Estoril Open in Penha Longa which starts today.

"We have too much strength in depth to give wild cards on a wing and a prayer. If I have enough experience the temptation is to stay inside the top 13 on the points list (to choose the wild cards).

"If a player hits form late and was in the top 16 to 20 then there's a chance I might possibly go that far down the list but it's unlikely to be honest."

Faldo who set records for the most appearances (11) and match wins (23) at Valderrama, had to rely on a wild card from captain Seve Ballesteros to make the last team and was told by Seve his position was safe despite indifferent form.

But James has no intention of doing the same this time with Faldo or any other player adding: "All the players know where they stand.

"If they're not close they're not getting in. If Nick is on form I will want him in but anyone not on form is not an asset. Obviously if Nick is going to get close then he's going to have to play better."

The former world number one has slumped to joint 99th in the rankings following an appalling run of form and is currently only 39th in the Ryder Cup points table.

Paul McGinley returns to the tour after a seven-week break and leads the Irish contingent of Philip Walton, Eamonn Darcy, Des Smyth and John McHenry.

Meanwhile, Lee Westwood was still looking back on happenings at Augusta when he arrived for the Macau Open on the Asian Tour. "They say that the Masters starts on the back nine (on the final day) and I found that out pretty quickly - I went bogey, double bogey, bogey," said Westwood.

"I am a bit disappointed that I dropped those shots but it was the first time I was in that position in a Major. Until you are in that position you do not realise how hard it is. I am sure next time I am in that situation I will deal with what is going on in my head, and the knots in my stomach, a little bit better," he said.

Westwood's IMS stable-mate Darren Clarke, seeking to end his recent poor form, will also be in action in Macau along with Richie Coughlan, Peter Lawrie and Bryan Omelia.