DAVID Duval, who showed a very welcome return to form when shooting 62 in the Capital Open in Maryland last weekend, is an almost certain starter in the Smurfit European Open at the K-Club on June 3-6, writes Charlie Mulqueen.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington remains in contention at the rain-delayed Capital Open in the United States after a third-round 66 in Maryland yesterday left him tied for fourth place on seven under par.