Langer promises a tough contest

Holders Europe arrived in Detroit on Monday promising a fair but tough battle with the United States for the 35th Ryder Cup.

European captain Bernhard Langer and his 12-man team were met by U.S. skipper Hal Sutton after their plane had landed at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

"We promise you a sporting contest, but we have enjoyed having this trophy in Europe for the last two years, and it is our intention to take it back home next Monday," twice U.S. Masters champion Langer told a news conference.

"I think the last Ryder Cup two years ago was a great example of what the Ryder Cup should be and can be.

"I think (U.S. captain) Curtis Strange and Sam Torrance and their 24 players set a great example.

"The spectators behaved very well overall and I think Hal's and mine intention is to follow in the footsteps of what happened two years ago," the German added.

"We want to continue the tradition that we've had for so many years, to play the Ryder Cup in the true spirit and sportsmanship and gentlemen-like that it should be by the rules of golf."

Under the captaincy of Torrance, Europe won the 2002 Ryder Cup at The Belfry by 15-1/2 points to 12-1/2, the third time they have clinched the trophy in the last four matches.

Although the U.S. hold home advantage and have been backed at odds of 1-2 to win by British bookmaker William Hill, another close contest is likely in the biennial team competition.

"There are no underdogs in this thing," said Sutton, who has appeared in four Ryder Cups as a player.

"There are 24 great players on this little sheet of paper right here, both Europeans and Americans, and everybody here is very capable.

"I think Bernhard would probably echo what I'm about to say.

"Our task is to create a situation where we bring their greatness out, and that will make for the 35th Ryder Cup matches being one of the greatest sporting events ever."

The U.S have won 24 times in the 77-year history of the competition. Britain (or Europe since 1979) have won eight matches and two have been tied.

The 35th Ryder Cup, being staged at Oakland Hills outside Detroit, Michigan, starts on Friday.