Curtis set for Cup debut

Ben Curtis, Open champion in 2003 and joint second behind Padraig Harrington at the US PGA in August, will make his World Cup debut for the United States in China next month.

Curtis, who as a member of the victorious Ryder Cup side last month beat Lee Westwood in the singles, will be partnered by world number 50 Brandt Snedeker.

Through Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum, America were World Cup runners-up last year – losing a play-off to Scots Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren.

Montgomerie is back to defend the title but has Alastair Forsyth as his partner this time – while England are represented by Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher, Ireland by Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley and Wales by Bradley Dredge and Richard Johnson.