O’Connor Jnr determined to lead Europe

CHRISTY O’CONNOR JNR is still determined to captain Europe to Ryder Cup glory at the K Club in 2006. But the hero of the Belfry in 1985 expressed amazement yesterday at US claims that they will be the underdogs when the matches come to Ireland.

Newly appointed American skipper Tom Lehman believes Europe must assume the mantle of favourites in two years time and O'Connor is simply amazed.

"The Americans saying they are underdogs is like the eighth wonder of the world to me," O'Connor said. "I couldn't believe my ears when I heard Lehman say that. Ben Hogan would turn in his grave.