Rose aiming for fifth win of season

Justin Rose begins his bid for a fifth win of 2002, in the Compass Group English Open this afternoon.

But after his British Masters triumph at Woburn on Sunday, he admits he thought about withdrawing from this week's event.

"It's my seventh week in a row, but it is the English Open and being an English player it's a big event on my calendar," Rose said.

He will be up against Irish duo Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, along with Niclas Fasth, Australian Peter O'Malley, the defending champion, and England's David Howell.

Howell made up his mind to play only on Monday as well - in his case after a fitness test at home on the left arm he broke while out jogging in March.

It is not the first time the 26-year-old has had three months out.

Howell injured his ankle playing tennis at the end of 1998, but he won his second event back, the Dubai Desert Classic.

He qualified for a US Open debut by finishing 14th on the Order of Merit last season.

"I have no idea how I'm going to do next week, but I know I am capable of playing good golf and I'm looking forward to it," he commented.