Faldo lightens Fanny's load

A special delivery arrived in Barcelona which will not help Nick Faldo in his comeback bid but could assist his caddie Fanny Sunesson.

It was a special light bag with a stand and Faldo said: "Fanny's been having some trouble with her back lately, so this will make things easier for her."

The pair have arrived at the Peugeot Spanish Open from South Carolina, where the former world number one started to hit back last week from his third successive missed cut in the Masters.

A third-round 67 in the MCI Classic at Hilton Head was Faldo's best round of the season, and although a closing 76 followed he is taking it as a positive sign that he can turn his fortunes around soon.

The Spanish Open represents another chance for Faldo to make up lost ground in the Ryder Cup qualifying race.

"I've got a two-week break after this week, then the Benson and Hedges International, Deutsche-Bank Open and Volvo PGA Championship. One really good week and I'm right back in it," he said.

Last week in Portugal Ryder Cup captain Mark James said Faldo could not rely on past deeds for a place in his side for Boston in September.

Despite more than two years without a victory Faldo has far from given up hope of a record-breaking 12th cap against the Americans.

TRW