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Woosnam wins team's backing

06/09/2006

Ian Woosnam's reaction to criticism from Thomas Bjorn has earned him the respect of the whole European Ryder Cup team, Sergio Garcia insists.

Bjorn lambasted the team skipper earlier this week, describing him as "pathetic", after he was overlooked for the K Club clash against the US team in favour of Lee Westwood.

Woosnam has stood by his decision to hand his wildcards to Westwood and Darren Clarke and Bjorn has since apologised and been fined a reported £10,000 for his outburst.

Garcia believes morale in the camp is now stronger than before and he attributes this to Woosnam's handling of the situation.

"I think he's going to do a good job," the Spaniard said. "He made two good picks. I know there were a couple of other players with a chance but unfortunately you can't pick all of them and I think he chose well, who he felt was best for the team."

Westwood, a former European number one, has also backed his captain's decision and he is confident Europe's 12 can retain golf's greatest team trophy.

"Some have said the US team is not a strong team, but anyone who qualifies for their team is a world-class player," he said.

"Having said that, I think the European team is the strongest that I have ever seen. There is a nice balance of youth, experience, rookies and people that have played in the Ryder Cup before and with good knowledge of the course.

"Most of the team would have played the K Club a number of times and a think we have got a great chance to win."

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