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Sergio
Garcia has admitted thoughts of helping Europe to Ryder Cup glory
hampered his form at the Tour Championship.
The 32-year-old, who failed to make the
European team in 2010 but worked as one of Colin Montgomerie's
assistants, finished joint 15th in the final event before the
tournament.
And with his level of excitement at being back
playing in the Ryder Cup in Chicago "probably a 12" out of
10, Garcia claims he perhaps lost his focus at Tour Championship.
"I had so many things in my head right now - I
was probably thinking too much about the Ryder Cup," he said.
"I played every round with one of the American
team and couldn't stop myself thinking: 'Right, I'm one up now' or
whatever.
"I've always enjoyed the match and I just hope
my game gets back to where it was. Hopefully I'll get some nice
practice in and get going.
"I want to play as well as I can to help my
team, although I've always said that I'd rather lose all my five
games and Europe wins than win all five and we lose."
Ollie:
Experience will be key
The Spaniard, who leads the Europe side into battle this week,
believes they will benefit from having so many players who are PGA
Tour regulars on the team.
Only three players - Miguel Angel Jimenez, Paul Lawrie and rookie
Nicolas Colsaerts made the once-feted official flight across the
atlantic this year, in company with captain Olazabal and the trophy.
Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee
Westwood regularly ply their trade Stateside and Olazabal hopes their
experience will hold the team in good stead at Medinah.
"It's completely different to, say, 15 years ago," he
said. "Some of the European players have their base here, they
play the tour, they're very familiar with the golf courses and their
opponents.
"So in that regard they feel more comfortable with the whole
situation of coming to the United States to play the Ryder Cup.
"It has changed in that respect, and also they have realised
over the years they can compete with the players over here. That,
somehow boosts your confidence and that plays a very important part
when you're playig matchplay."
Europe have won four of the last five Ryder Cups but Olazabal
insisted that record would have little bearing on the outcome this
week.
"This is a new Ryder Cup. We are playing here against a very
strong team, playing away," he added. "The crowds are going
to be rooting for the home team really strong, so we have to be
prepared for that.
"I've said all along both teams are pretty even, and I think
it's going to be a close match. From that point of view I don't see a
favourite, and it will have to be decided on the golf course."
Sale Sharks duo Andy Powell and
Tom Brady will appear before a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday,
following incidents during Saturday's defeat at Bath.
Wales number eight Powell is alleged to have used foul language
and made an offensive hand gesture to spectators.
Winger Brady has been charged with an alleged dangerous tackle on
Bath number eight Ben Skirving.
The Yankees took a one-game lead over
Baltimore with two games left after a nine-run second inning outburst
capped a decisive victory over the Red Sox Monday.