Ballesteros backs Olazabal to give Ryder Cup bid a lift

Olazabal has expressed doubts about repeating the role he did for Nick Faldo two years ago, but Ballesteros, in Madrid yesterday supporting the city's bid to stage the 2018 match, believes his friend and long-time Ryder Cup playing partner has all the credentials for the role.

"I think Jose Maria would be fantastic support," said Ballesteros.

"He is very well-respected and all the players like being in his company. He has fantastic experience from previous Ryder Cups and it will help him get more for the future.

"I am sure that one day Jose Maria will become captain in the Ryder Cup, maybe in 2012."

Ballesteros, who needed four brain operations after the discovery of a brain tumour late in 2008, still hopes to take part in the four-hole champions challenge on the eve of the Open at St Andrews in July.

He added: "I will not be in 100 per cent condition to compete in the main tournament.

"But I am happy and looking forward to playing the champions challenge because I think I can do very well and say thank you to all my UK fans at St Andrews, where I have many great memories."

The Home of Golf was where the Spanish genius won the second of his three Claret Jugs in 1984, denying Tom Watson a record-equalling sixth victory.

South African James Kingston capitalised on the best of the conditions to take the first round lead at the European Tour's event in Majorca yesterday.

Out on the Pula course early before the wind really picked up, the 44-year-old returned a five under par 65 at the Iberdrola Open Cala Millor Mallorca.

Kingston ended the day two in front of Spaniard Alvaro Velasco, with Ireland's Gary Murphy, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, Spain's Alejandro Canizares and Norwegian Thorbjorn Olesen one further back.

Twice a winner on tour, Kingston said: "I didn't have a nice day out there yesterday and it's not one of my favourites, but I was hitting it so well that it was actually an easy round of 65.

"It's tricky even without a wind, but when you play nicely you can see the scores."