Ben is Ggle 'n hearty

Jul 20 2008 Euan Mclean

A LOT more than just the weather has changed in the five years since Ben Curtis came from nowhere to snatch The Open title from under the nose of Thomas Bjorn at sunkissed Sandwich.

Back then he was a raw rookie ranked a lowly 396th in the world and playing his first ever Major courtesy of a 13th place finish at the Western Open in Illinois the week before.

Now? The man who for years put up with snipers fobbing off his stunning victory as a fluke is again starring on his favourite stage with a performance that even had the second-best player in the world salivating.

While countless more glamorous names, not least his playing partner Phil Mickelson, were simply blown away in gusts touching 48-miles-per-hour yesterday Curtis stood firm with a defiant level-par round of 70.

His seven-over total for the tournament sets him up nicely to make a charge for a top-10 finish at the very least which, incidentally, would be his second in as many years after finishing tied eighth at Carnoustie 12 months ago.

But perhaps more importantly, yesterday's steely performance in the toughest of conditions just emphasised the latent ability the 31-year-old has not always been given the credit for.

If others weren't always convinced the man himself has always believed in himself even in the three barren years after that Open triumph at Royal St George's when he didn't win a tournament.

But Curtis believes he is a better player now and admits he dreams of winning the Claret Jug for a second time so he can leave no one in any doubt about his credentials as a Major champion.

He said: "I definitely dream of winning a second Open. If I had a choice of winning a Major this would be it.

"I'm a much better player now than I was in 2003. I know that.

"In a way it was easier to win back then though as I didn't put any pressure or goals on myself.

"I just wanted to have fun and enjoy the tournament and ended up having the best week ever.

"I've always tried to tell myself to do that again although it's hard to do because of the pressure I put myself under and the high expectations levels I have.

"But I am better and I know that if I get hot I have a great chance to win any week I play."

While level was good enough in yesterday's wind, Curtis threatened to do something outrageous when he romped to the sixth tee on three under for the day - thanks mostly to a spectacular eagle at the third when he holed from 165 yards.

Yet to look at his wincing face the moment he hit that incredible 9-iron shot, you'd have thought someone had just spat in his face.

Ben smiled: "I had a little uphill lie and heeled it a bit. I thought it was going into the front-right bunker.

"My caddy said the same thing. He thought it was in the bunker too but luckily it just held its line.

"Then the crowd started clapping and by the time we'd walked 10 yards they all went crazy."

Curtis' playing partner Mickelson was mesmerised by his countryman's straight shooting in such windy conditions.

And the world No.2 - who huffed and puffed his way round in 78 blows - hailed his fellow American's performance as among the best he has ever seen.

Mickelson, now well back on 13 over, said: "Itwas a tough day for everybody but I thought Ben played a great round of golf. It was fun to watch and I was rooting for him.

"He was incredible. He hit a lot of fantastic shots and great putts and to shoot even par in this weather is one of the best rounds I have seen.

You need breaks and Ben got one at the third but you have to play well first before you get luck."

Curtis is now locked on seven over with American wonderkid Anthony Kim (71) and England's Ross Fisher who continues to build on his excellent form after winning the European Open two weeks ago.

Fisher, who carded a one-over 71, said: "It was ridiculously tough out there but I'm in good form and my confidence is high."