Wilson edging closer to Cup debut

Much to his relief, Oliver Wilson still had his Ryder Cup fate in his own hands at Gleneagles today – and the way he started should have filled him with confidence.

Fighting to keep the 10th and last qualifying place on the points table, Wilson had to produce an eagle and two birdies in the last 10 holes of his second round to survive the halfway cut at the Johnnie Walker Championship.

When he resumed this morning, the 27-year-old from Mansfield added further birdies on the second, sixth and eighth to turn in a superb 33.

That lifted him from joint 52nd overnight to joint 24th and was making the task of his two pursuers all the harder.

Ross Fisher, in a tie for 36th at halfway, had to finish in the top three to have a chance and Nick Dougherty, in a tie for 23rd, had to finish first or second.

But if Wilson ended up 25th or better that became second place for Fisher and a victory for Dougherty.

Frenchman Gregory Havret led the tournament at seven-under-par by one from England’s Robert Rock.

Justin Rose and Soren Hansen were the other two players on course to make Nick Faldo’s side.

Hansen’s two opening rounds of 71 had put him in joint fifth place on four-under, while Rose was only two further back. They were certain to clinch a first cap if Dougherty and Fisher finished outside the top two.