Poulter's pull-out puts Ryder Cup team up in air

Published on Tuesday 26 August 2008 10:34

EUROPE'S Ryder Cup hopefuls were today digesting the shock decision of Ian Poulter not to play the final qualifying event at Gleneagles this week.

Poulter announced last night he is staying in America even though the tournament there does not count towards the points table.

The Open runner-up, who could have made certain of a place with a top-five finish in the Johnnie Walker Championship, now needs one of captain Nick Faldo's two wild cards.

But Darren Clarke, a winner in the Netherlands on Sunday, Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie are also looking for a pick.

Justin Rose, Soren Hansen and Oliver Wilson, meanwhile, occupy places eight, nine and ten on the standings and now there are only three players – Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher and Nick Dougherty – who can deny them.

The six left to fight it out for three spots at Gleneagles are all uncapped.

With Graeme McDowell having already secured his place, it means Faldo is sure to have at least four newcomers in his line-up.

To have a chance of making the side, Dougherty has to finish second, Fisher third and Kaymer 28th.