McDowell forced to dig deep

IT WASN’T quite a knockout blow but Graeme McDowell had to dig deep into his reserves to remain defiantly upright after Race to Dubai rival Martin Kaymer gave him a first round pasting in their duel at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Needing at least a top-three finish in the Dubai World Championship to have any chance of overhauling the young German at the top of the money list and become European No 1, the US Open champion staggered back to his corner five shots adrift after carding a level-par 72 to the US PGA champion’s impressive five under par 67.

It’s not over yet but McDowell, pictured, knows that he’s on the ropes and must produce a big weekend if he is to prevent the “emotionless” 25-year old from Dusseldorf from becoming king of Europe.