Van de Velde speaks out

1999 Open Championship runner up Jean van de Velde has made his feelings clear about the selection of Mark James as Sam Torrance's deputy at the next Ryder Cup.

The Frenchman who was left out of the first two days at Brookline when James was Captain, was never happy going into the final day of the Ryder Cup singles without being blooded first and believes that is the reason why Europe lost the battle of Brookline.

Van de Velde was one of three players, Jarmo Sandelin and Andrew Coltart being the others sidelined for the first two days and yesterday at the Belfry during the practice rounds for the Benson and Hedges International spoke out against Torrance's decision.

"Don't expect me to be pleased at Mark James being involved in the next Ryder Cup," he said. "I would have hoped the captain would have gone for someone new."

"I'm looking forward to playing the Ryder Cup for the first time next year!" He said, as last year he only played 13 holes thanks to a rampant Davis Love III beating him 6&5 after winning three pairs matches in the first two days.