James delays Ryder Cup decision further

Mark James on Thursday night revealed he has delayed his decision on whether to give up the Ryder Cup captaincy in order to play in the European team in September.

James, currently ninth in the qualifying points standings, had originally planned to make an announcement at next week's European Open in Dublin.

But the 45-year-old's indifferent recent form - he finished 43rd at the Open - has prompted him to put off his choice until his position his clearer.

"At the moment things aren't going so well," said James after a one-over-par 72 in the first round of the TNT Dutch Open at Hilversum.

"I'm having a poorish run and not hitting much form. There's not going to be an announcement next week."

James' decision appears sensible given the fact that after this week players will have four more chances to earn Ryder Cup points and less than 700 points (around £50,000) separates himself in ninth and Patrik Sjoland in 20th in the table.

One of those who could claim a place in the top 10, Swindon's David Howell, will not be doing so this week, however, after he was forced to withdraw from the £800,000 event.

The 24-year-old from Swindon only managed to play three holes before admitting defeat in his battle against a painful toe injury.

Howell, who led the Order of Merit earlier this season after his victory in the Dubai Classic, saw a chiropodist this week and decided to try and compete with valuable Ryder Cup points at stake.

But the pain of his infected toe soon proved too much and time is now running out for him to gain enough points to move up into an automatic qualification place from 15th in the current standings.

The top of the leaderboard on a rain-lashed day saw a six-way tie between Argentinian duo Angel Cabrera and Eduardo Romero, Spain's Ignacio Garrido, Holland's Rolf Muntz, Italian Emanuele Canonica and Japan's Katsuyoshi Tomori.

Romero's 67, which contained six birdies and two bogeys, was one of his best rounds of the season but he was more pleased by the progress of his friend Cabrera, who he took under his wing more than 20 years ago.

"I'm really pleased for Angel. I've known him since he was seven or eight years old. He lived just two blocks away from me in Cordoba and is like my little brother," said Romero.

"I knew very early that he could be a good player while he was a young caddie at my course.

"I encouraged him to play and when he came on the European Tour I helped him financially as you need a lot of money to play over here, so I'm happy to see his results.

"No question he is good enough to win on the European Tour and probably, as he showed at Carnoustie, he can be a contender in majors too.

"Now he can play in the USPGA, the Masters and so on. He just needs to concentrate more and keep his temper in check."

Cabrera, 29, has had two second-place finishes this season and was tied for fourth at the Open, just missing out on the play-off when he narrowly missed a birdie putt on the last hole.

"Eduardo has had a big influence on my career," said Cabrera. "I managed to win 10 or 12 tournaments in Argentina but I had to come to Europe and Eduardo helped me and I am thankful to him for that.

"I am now very confident in my game. I didn't know my birdie putt on the last would get me into a play-off at the Open but finishing so high means I can play the majors in America. I know I can win anywhere now. I am just waiting for my week."

Ireland's Paul McGinley was just one off the lead after a 68 alongside Lytham's Paul Eales, who posted five birdies in an inward half of 30, and Crewe's David Gilford.

Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal struggled to a 74 while Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke both carded 72.

Former world amateur champion Kim Felton of Australia impressed on his professional debut as he carded a one-under 70.