Madrid Open: Smyth back from the brink in Madrid

Des Smyth is undergoing something of a revival in fortunes after a first-round 65 at the Madrid Open.

Smyth dropped out of Europe's top 100 for the first time in 20 years in 1997, and it looked as if the curtain might be coming down on a fine tour career.

But four years on the 48-year-old Irishman looks in radiant health.

His showing in Spain has helped - and so has an invitation to play in next month's Ryder Cup-style seniors event at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Arnold Palmer and Gary Player are the captains of the America and Rest of the World sides and Smyth said: "It's a guaranteed US100,000 and that's huge.

"Earlier in my career I never dreamed of earning that sort of money. I'm thrilled - it's made my year."

What changed for Smyth, who played in the Ryder Cup itself in 1979 and 1981, was his victory in the Madeira Island Open in March.

It made him the oldest-ever winner on the European circuit and gave him a two-year exemption, taking him right through to the time when he can switch full-time to seniors golf.

He added the Irish PGA title two weeks ago and with a 13th place in The Open in July the season is full of good memories already.

Another will come if he continues as he starts at Club de Campo, although his 65 still left him two behind compatriot Padraig Harrington.

Winner by two last year, Harrington is hoping not only to defend the trophy, but also partly bury the memory of seven second place finishes this season.

If it is horses for courses, then it is all over. The Dubliner also won the 1996 Spanish Open over the same 18 holes.

The 63 gave Harrington a one-stroke lead over Scot Stephen Gallacher - nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard - while alongside Smyth are Spaniards Miguel Angel Jimenez and Carlos Rodiles.

Order of Merit leader Retief Goosen is only three back and Darren Clarke, whose chances of overhauling Goosen are now somewhere between slim and zero, four behind.