Thomas's love of golf Bjorn again

After slipping outside Europe’s top 100 for the first time in his career last year Dane Thomas Bjorn has fallen in love with golf again.

Now, the results are already there to see.

Third and sixth in the Spanish and Italian Opens last month, the 38-year-old resumed the Wales Open at Celtic Manor today joint leader with England’s Nick Dougherty and 49-year-old South African David Frost.

Bjorn, out-scoring playing partner and American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin by six with his five-under-par 66 yesterday, now admits his disaffection with the game went on longer than he let on.

“There’s a bit of falling in love with the game again. I’m playing nicely and I want to get back to being in contention,” he said.

It is six years since Bjorn lost The Open at Sandwich from three ahead with four to play and seven since the last of his two Ryder Cup caps.

As chairman of the European Tour tournament committee, he was the man who in January announced Colin Montgomerie as Europe’s captain.

Three weeks ago Montgomerie asked him to captain Continental Europe in the Vivendi Trophy – the old Seve Trophy – in Paris in September.

With Paul McGinley being put in charge of Britain and Ireland it was not hard to guess that Montgomerie sees them both as potential assistant captains under him next year.

But the two former team-mates both still harbour the dream of forcing their way back into the side and so official announcement will come until after the qualifying race ends.

“If I don’t make the team I am happy to help, but if I am then I will obviously play,” said Bjorn, whose last appearance was in the 2002 victory at The Belfry.

McGinley was the match-winner that week and was also part of the victorious next two sides, but missed out last year and, having stood down as an assistant to Nick Faldo to concentrate on his game, was not involved.

“I really want to make the team,” said the 42-year-old after a 68 which included a triple bogey seven on his second hole.

“I think Monty is going to be a great captain and I would love to play under him.

“He’s picked myself and Thomas to be involved in the Vivendi and I don’t think you have to put one and one together.

“I’m obviously in his mind somewhere in terms of those four people he’s going to have, but I’m a lot more comfortable trying to make the team this year and whatever happens after that happens.

“That’s when I’ll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime it’s gung-ho trying to make the team.”

Montgomerie and opposite number Pavin are both playing this week and it was advantage Montgomerie going into the second round.

While Montgomerie’s 69 this afternoon kept him in the hunt for a first top-10 finish for almost a year, Pavin said he got what he deserved with a 72.

His round included a lost ball on the driveable 15th and he commented: “The course tests everything, but I just wasn’t sharp.”