Howell's bid for Ryder Cup spot back on track

DAVID HOWELL, who said he was "like a bear with a sore head" after missing the cut in his last two events, got his bid for a Ryder Cup berth firmly back on track in the Scandinavian Masters.

A superb run of six top-10 finishes in 15 events has lifted Howell into the automatic qualifying places for the European team to defend the trophy at Oakland Hills in September.

Early exits from both the Open at Troon and last week's Irish Open - where fellow contender Raphael Jacquelin finished second - means his position is far from secure, however, with just five weeks until the team is finalised. However, a first-round 67, five under par, at Barseback yesterday gave him a share of the lead with Sweden's Johan Edfors and every chance of achieving his dream scenario of a second European Tour title to seal his place in Bernhard Langer's team.