Wood strides out on Ryder road

(getty images)

England's Chris Wood made a fine start as qualifying for the Ryder Cup began yesterday before fading towards the end of his round at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

At six under par after just 11 holes the 21-year-old from Bristol, third in The Open in July, led by two. But he covered the last seven holes in one over and slipped one behind Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Argentina's Andres Romero.

After injuring his back last month during the US PGA, the 6ft 5in Wood has been working hard on his fitness. "It's only going to help me and it's got to be done – my goals are long-term," Wood said.

"I've had two 12-hour days here and I got a little bit tired at the end."

This is the first qualifying event for next year's match at Celtic Manor and even at 45 Jimenez has ambitions to be in Europe's team. He and Romero were playing partners and had 11 birdies between them.