Ryall and Oldcorn renew Hague rivalry

EUROPEAN SENIOR TOUR: George Ryall will have to play through the pain barrier this week if he is to successfully defend the Van Lanschot Senior Open title he won 12 months ago.

During the PGA Seniors Championship first round a fortnight ago, Ryall suffered a back spasm as a result of a prolapsed disc and was forced to withdraw from the event. Andrew Oldcorn had to settle for second place behind Ryall 12 months ago, and the Scot returns to The Hague bidding to go one better this year. Thanks chiefly to his nine-shot victory at the De Vere Club PGA Seniors Championship, Oldcorn is currently second on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit, one place above Ian Woosnam of Wales.