McDowell eyes Ryder Cup date

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell claimed the second European Tour victory of his short professional career with a play-off triumph over Thomas Levet in the Italian Open and immediately targeted another win to bolster his Ryder Cup hopes.

The Ballymoney-born golfer won at the fourth-extra hole with a par four after his French opponent’s approach to the 18th at Castello di Tolcinasco found the greenside lake and he failed to chip in after a penalty drop.