Ryder Cup: Clarke backing Bjorn for 2014 team

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Darren Clarke believes European Masters champion Thomas Bjorn has a great chance of making Europe’s Ryder Cup team for 2014.

After winning the Omega European Masters title at Crans-Sur-Sierre in Switzerland on Sunday, Bjorn moved to the top of the European Ryder Cup Points List. Sunday’s win at the picturesque course under the Alps saw him move back into the top 50 in the world rankings as he looks to find his form ahead of the 2014 tournament.

Bjorn’s win in Switzerland was his first in two years, after winning the same tournament and he now has 14 wins on the Tour in total. Clarke has fond memories of playing with Bjorn in the Ryder Cup and the pair were vice-captains for Europe’s win at Medinah last year.

Clarke is confident Bjorn will feature in next year’s tournament and he admits he will be surprised to see him not in contention for an automatic spot.

He said: “Thomas is a brilliant golfer. It’s a great start for him and I’d be surprised if he’s not very close (to automatically qualifying) come the end.

“He’d been knocking on the door all year. He’s been playing really, really well. He’s one of the best, maybe one of the top three, wedge players in the game and Switzerland’s always going to suit him because players have so many short irons into greens up there.

“To see him get over the line and win again was fantastic. He’s still a world-class player and I’m sure he’s got his sights on being involved in playing the Ryder Cup this time as opposed to being involved in the backroom staff.”

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