Casey in contention for Wentworth success

Paul Casey set himself some lofty goals for this year – but although he is keeping them secret reaching number-three in the world was almost certainly not among them.

The Ryder Cup star, with wins in Abu Dhabi and America already to his name, goes into the third round this afternoon eight-under-par and two ahead of defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, Scot Marc Warren, England’s Anthony Wall and David Horsey and Dane Soren Kjeldsen.

Casey was asked after a second-round 67 containing two eagles whether he was at all surprised by the impact he has made this season.

“I don’t know what the right word is – sort of gratifying or a sense of accomplishment,” he answered.

“It’s nice because of the work I’ve been putting in, but I don’t want to say surprising because I think that would be wrong.”