Golf: Cat thirsts for Evian Masters glory

North BERWICK'S Catriona Matthew starts an important run of tournaments at today's Evian Masters in France, and she's hoping a return to the scene of one of the most frightening moments of her life could be a good omen.

Two years ago in Evian, she was asleep in her room when the hotel she was staying in caught fire. Thankfully, her husband Graeme was still awake and they managed to escape.

Less than two weeks after the drama - Graeme was hospitalised with burns on his feet - Catriona won the Ricoh Women's British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes and her husband was fit enough to be in his usual role as caddy.

This year, the couple are back in the same room that was set ablaze two years ago. "At the time, it was very scary and we did change hotels last year," she said. "But it wasn't so handy and so we decided to return to the Pavillons du Golf.

"It was a disgruntled ex-employee who threw a petrol bomb from the roof and I'm sure it will now be okay. Anyway, they've now installed a fire alarm. It would certainly be great if I could do well this week - and it would be a good boost before the Ricoh Women's British Open at Carnoustie next week."