Jimenez gathers pace ahead of Ryder Cup

MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ insisted he would not allow thoughts of the Ryder Cup get in the way of him winning his fifth tournament this year with the Omega European Masters.

The Spaniard won the BMW International Open last Sunday and kept the momentum going to card an opening round six-under-par 65 at the Crans-sur-Sierre course in the Swiss mountains to lead going into day two.

The 40-year-old from Malaga illustrated how crucial he is to Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills this month by establishing an early four-shot lead over reigning champion Ernie Els, who was attempting to make history.