Fasth has Ryder ambition

Niclas Fasth is determined to claim a place in the Ryder Cup at the K Club in September.

The 33-year-old Swede hopes to kickstart his bid in the Madeira Open, which begins today.

Fasth, who goes out this afternoon, is the highest ranked player in the field.

Lying 53 in the world, he won the Madeira tournament in 2000 and then was part of the successful European Ryder Cup team two years later.

Fasth said: “Winning here makes it a special place for me. It is great to be back, and I am looking forward to the week.

“When you win an event it can go some way to building your confidence. That’s what happened to me after Madeira.”