Raul does uncle Seve proud, despite blip

LIKE uncle, like nephew! Raul Ballesteros is playing in the Spanish Open this week on the strength of an invitation wangled for him by Seve Ballesteros and, for 16 holes over the new course at San Roque yesterday, it looked as if he was about to repay him in spades.

Sadly, Raul, 25 year-old son of Baldomero, is a chip off Uncle Seve's block. Nine under par with two holes to play, he just couldn't play safe and take his punishment once nerves took over.

A bogey at the 225 yards 8th (his 17th) was far from a disaster but when he carved his drive into a bad lie to the right of the fairway at the water strewn final hole, discretion most certainly became the better part of valour.