Ryder Cup the spur for Casey

Paul Casey has targeted a second taste of "addictive" Ryder Cup action after moving back into the world's top 50.

Casey's play-off victory in the China Open on Sunday - his fifth European Tour title - lifted him from 61st to 49th in the latest rankings.

The 28-year-old, who beat fellow Englishman Oliver Wilson with a birdie on the first extra hole after cancelling out a five-stroke final-round deficit with a sparkling 65, lies just ahead of Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell.

If both can keep their positions for another month they will earn invitations to April's US Masters at Augusta.

Casey will attempt to consolidate his position during this week's Hong Kong Open after making the short journey from Shenzhen, and is also competing in the Australian Masters next week in Melbourne.

Casey slipped from 29th at the start of the year to outside the top 60 after a nightmare mid-season slump which saw him 55 over par for nine rounds of golf, including an opening 85 in the US Open at Pinehurst.

But the Surrey professional rediscovered his form when the Ryder Cup qualifying period began in September and is determined to secure his second appearance in the contest at The K Club in Ireland next year.

"I think Ireland is going to be huge, last time around was an unbelievable experience and it's addictive," he said. "I want to be at The K Club really badly but I have to make sure I go about it the right way by winning golf events and having other goals."