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Westwood and Clarke named as wildcards for Ryder Cup

03/09/2006

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam has opted for experience after picking Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke as his wildcards for the clash with American this month.

The veteran duo were picked ahead of Denmark's Tomas Bjorn, Englishman Ian Poulter and Sweden's John Edfors for the three day match at the K Club in Ireland.

Both players played in Bernhard Langer's team which won the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills in Detriot.

Earlier, Spain's Josie Maria Olazabal and Ireland's Paul McGinley were confirmed as the final two automatic spots.

McGinley was selected despite missed the cut in Munich after disappointing rounds of 75 and 72 left him three over par.

He said he was relieved to be in the team despite a below par season.

"I've been under a great deal of pressure and I feel a great weight has been lifted," he said.

"Now I can get ready for one of the biggest weeks in my life without worrying or having to look over my shoulder."

"It's going to be a fantastic week and I would have hated not to be part of it."

Olazabal makes his return to the team after a seven-year absence despite not competing in Munich due to exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Ryder Cup rookie Henrik Stenson edged out Padraig Harrington and Retief Goosen in a nail biting playoff to win the BMW international in Munich on D-day for the Cup hopefuls.

The Swede eagled the first extra hole to clinch his fourth European Tour title after a three-way tie on 15 under.

Englishman David Howell finished one stroke behind while Colin Montgomerie and Luke Donald will go into the clash with America in good form after finishing on 13 under.

The hosts will begin the defence of their crown on September 22nd.

Europe's Ryder Cup team: David Howell, Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood.

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