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Ryder Cup Race Intensifies at Akron
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Ryder Cup Race Intensifies at Akron

Phillip Price, who produced a magnificent performance to finish tied second in the 2000 World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, returns to Firestone Country Club in Akron this week in search of a similarly accomplished result to secure his Ryder Cup berth.

Price tied with Justin Leonard, 11 strokes behind Tiger Woods, to earn the biggest cheque of his career, 482,466 euro (£293,722). That outstanding effort provided the Welshman with the impetus to make a bold bid to qualify for the 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry next month.

Earlier this year he won the Algarve Open de Portugal - his second victory on The European Tour - and currently stands in tenth position on the European Ryder Cup points table.

The leading dozen players on the Ryder Cup points list are competing in the $5,000,000 tournament, which Woods has won on both occasions it has been played as one of the World Golf Championships series.

Two years ago the World Number One held off a late challenge from Phil Mickelson to win the title by a single shot. Last year he returned to the same venue just days after his dramatic play-off victory over Bob May in the 82nd US PGA Championship. Far from being physically and emotionally drained by the experience, it served to energise Woods and he shot rounds of 64-61-67-67 for a 21 under par total of 259 and that remarkable 11 stroke win. His 61 equalled the long-time course record set by Spain's José Maria Olazábal a decade earlier.

US Open champion Retief Goosen, the leader of the Volvo Order of Merit, and Darren Clarke, leader of the Ryder Cup list, head the list of 17 European Tour Members at Akron that includes the top 12 players in the Ryder Cup points list.

Ian Poulter sucessfully held onto the 12th and last position which earned him entry into the elite field of 40 players, despite a late run by Scotland's Andrew Coltart who finished in tied 37th position in the US PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. The young Englishman, who won the Moroccan Open earlier this year, and Jiménez will be endeavouring to catch tenth place Price as the Ryder Cup qualification process comes down to the final two weeks.

However as Price indicated 12 months ago, he enjoys the demanding par 70 Firestone course and it promises to be another thrilling duel as the race intensifies.

First Round Tee Times

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