Donald finish leads to optimism

Luke Donald’s charge into second place at the Scottish Open has given Europe’s Ryder Cup hopes a big boost on the eve of the British Open championship.

The English star was not in the top 10 in the standings going into the event, but is now in fifth place.

Although he was overtaken by Johan Edfors’ spectacular 63, Donald closed with a 66 – and did not have a single bogey in his last 42 holes.

“It’s very encouraging for the (British) Open,” he said. “Majors are about limiting your mistakes and no bogeys all weekend was a good result.

“Expectations are rising each year it seems and there’s a little bit more pressure to do well, but I’m getting better and I want to win this week as much as anyone else.”

No European has won any major since Paul Lawrie at Carnoustie in 1999 and Donald adds: “It’s about time.”

The 28-year-old now waits to see who are his partners for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday – but having played with Jack Nicklaus at St Andrews last year in his final major appearance, he is ready for whatever comes up in the draw today.

So is Sergio Garcia, who after finishing joint ninth with Ernie Els yesterday was asked whether he would mind being paired with Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson at Royal Liverpool.

“I really don’t care. If it’s one of them that’s perfect and if it’s not it does not matter – but I’d rather play with some friends of mine,” he said.