Torrance and James fall short

Sam Torrance and Mark James, whose combined record is 15 Ryder Cup appearances, look certain to miss out at Valderrama next month as a new wave of younger men take over the stage.

Torrance, who will be 44 later this month, shot a disappointing level- par 71 in the first round of the Chemapol Czech Open in Prague yesterday, when more than half of the 156-strong field had sub-par rounds, and complained bitterly about his putting.

James, who will be 44 in October, fared even worse with a 72 which left him eight shots behind the leader, Scott Henderson of Scotland, and struggling to make the half-way cut today.

While the two veterans struggled, the Spaniard Ignacio Garrido shot a five-under-par 66, Lee Westwood shot 67 and Irishmen Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke both shot 69.

Clarke and Westwood are already assured of Ryder Cup places next month, but Torrance and James both need at least one victory to have a chance and time is running out.

Ivan Lendl, who won eight Grand Slam tournaments in a brilliant tennis career, shot a disastrous 82, the same score as he achieved in the Czech Open when it was played at Marianske Lazne last year.