Anti-climax as top Europeans end up as the bogey men

CALL them the Euro flops, those spoiled, multi-millionaire stars who either contrived to throw the claret jug or else never made a shape at all.

Thomas Bjorn is the prime example in the first category. At least he was there at the death but the atmosphere surrounding his victory bid was distinctly funereal for all that. Credit, too, in a small way to the Englishman Brian Davis who tied for 6th, but after opening rounds of 77 and 73, he was never a factor where actual victory was concerned. He shared 6th with the Swede, Fredrik Jacobson, who also showed up well in the US Open and is surely one to look out for in the future and looks a young player with genuine Ryder Cup potential.

Old man Nick Faldo also managed a top ten, showing up those who were supposed to fly the European flag. Colin Montgomerie was long since back in his Surrey paradise having apparently slipped and sprained his wrist so badly that he also felt obliged to withdraw from the Irish Open which wasn't due to start for another eight days. Lee Westwood missed the cut, Sergio Garcia flattered only to deceive.