Els has Seve's record in his sights

Ernie Els attempts this week to emulate the feat of Seve Ballesteros over a quarter of a century ago – namely successfully defend the title at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

Ballesteros, after whom the spectacular course at Crans-sur-Sierre is now named, won back-to-back titles in 1977 and 1978. Nobody has managed it since but Els starts a strong favourite after winning by six shots 12 months ago.

The race for Ryder Cup qualification is now over but Els faces competition from three of Bernhard Langer’s team eager to warm up for Oakland Hills in the best possible fashion.

Miguel Angel Jimenez will be trying to make it five wins this year after his success last Sunday in the BMW International Open and he is joined by Sergio Garcia and wild card selection Luke Donald.

It is a special week for former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker – his 500th appearance on the European Tour.

At only 36, the Englishman, who played against the Americans at The Belfry in 1993, is the youngest player to reach the notable career landmark and is also the quickest to reach the figure. This is his 19th season.

During that time Baker has notched three victories, at the 1988 Benson and Hedges International Open, where he defeated Nick Faldo in a sudden-death play-off, and at the British Masters and Scandinavian Masters in 1993.

“When I was told about it, the first thing that sprung to mind was that it had all seemed to happen so quickly,” said Baker.

“It really doesn’t seem all that long ago since I was competing in my first event in Sweden in 1986 and now here I am on the verge of 500 events.”