Fasth eyes Ryder Cup return

By Nick Mulvenney

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Niclas Fasth is hoping his blistering start to the new season on Thursday will presage a return to the Europe team for another crack at the Americans in the Ryder Cup next year.

The 35-year-old Swede, a Ryder Cup winner at the Belfry in 2002, shot a course record-equaling 64 to take a share of the first round lead at the Champions, the opening event in the 2008 European season.

"I'm definitely aware of it," he said of the race to play next year at Valhalla.

"We've already had a couple of months to do something and although I've had a few decent finishes, I haven't really done as much as I would have hoped.

"This would really make a difference to have gained a bit of ground before the New Year. It's something obviously that I would really love to be a part of again and missed out the last couple of times, but it's really in my thinking, yes."

Fasth said an improved mental attitude and a new driver had helped him to a decent 2007 season, in which he won in Munich and remained in contention for the order of merit title until the final event.

"I've had one win this year and two the previous two years," he said.

"But this year, I have simply been playing more steadily at a slightly higher level. If I raise that level just one notch more, I'll be contending with the top guys next year."

Fasth admitted that it was "weird" to be starting the 2008 season in the second week of November but thought it was good players had an opportunity to play all year round even if he would be taking a break after this weekend.

"This is the best scenario we can have on the European Tour to get these tournaments in where there's room on the schedule," he said.

"You know, to have the option of playing is fantastic. Yes, they are on the wrong side of New Year's Eve, but this is the way it goes these days."