Peter Hanson eyes Czech title and Paul Casey's Ryder Cup place

Peter Hanson lurks as the biggest danger to first-round leader Shiv Kapur at the Czech Open — and to Paul Casey in the Ryder Cup race.

The 32-year-old Swede will oust the absent Casey from Europe's top nine with victory at the Prosper Resort in Celadna on Sunday, and a five-under-par 67 has left him just one behind Kapur.

Hanson lies 15th in the points race, but there is a 272,640 first prize and, as one of only two of the world's top 50 in the field, it is a golden opportunity.

The other is Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez. Eighth on the cup table, he started with a 71 and should be concerned about the possibility of being overtaken by Hanson as well.

English trio Simon Dyson, Oliver Wilson and Ross McGowan are also chasing a spot in Colin Montgomerie's side and they shot 70, 72 and 73 respectively.

Asked about the controversial decision of Casey — and also Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald, both of whom are just outside a qualifying spot — not to enter next week's race-ending Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, Hanson said: "If you have a chance to make the team or especially if you want a pick (like Justin Rose, another stay-away) it might be good to play," he said.

After two weeks in America during which he was eighth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, making him top European, Hanson made the long trip after asking for and receiving a sponsor's invitation on Monday.

"That gave me the chance to get into the team and the tournament organisers have been very nice to me," he added. "If I could put myself in position come Sunday it would be fantastic."

Kapur had six successive birdies from the second after teeing off at 7.20am. "I think I was half-asleep and woke up around the turn," said the 28-year-old Indian.

Hanson shares second with Argentina's Tano Goya.