Robert's A Pain In The Nick

Aug 24 2008 By Bernie Mcguire

SUPER Swede Robert Karlsson has handed Nick Faldo a Ryder Cup scare ahead of next month's big match.

Karlsson, expected to play a key role against America in Kentucky, is sitting at home nursing a neck injury.

He will miss next week's event in Switzerland and European skipper Faldo will have his fingers crossed he recovers in time to help his side's defence of the trophy from September 19-21.

Karlsson, 38, lies fifth on the points table after a brilliant year. The Swede has had two seconds, three thirds in succession, was eighth in the US Masters, fourth in the US Open and seventh in The Open.

But yesterday his manager Johan Elliot revealed the player is at home in Monaco unable to practice - and having treatment on his sore neck. He said: "Robert has a neck strain and his physio has told him not to risk further damage by playing.

"We hope it is not serious but he has decided not to play the Omega Masters in Switzerland as a precaution.

"If all goes well, he will take part in the Mercedes-Benz Championship the week before the Ryder Cup."

After being snubbed in 1999 by European captain Mark James, Karlsson made his Ryder Cup debut two years ago at the K Club. He was unbeaten in both fourball matches but lost out to Tiger Woods in the singles.

Fellow Swede Henrik Stenson is concerned. He said: "I just hope he's not out of the side."

News of the injury comes just when Faldo was feeling confident about the contest. He's been smiling since Padraig Harrington captured last month's Open then followed up with victory in the US PGA.

His entire 10-man squad have been in sparkling form, along with the likes of Paul Casey and Darren Clarke, who are leading the challenge for two wild-card spots that will be named next Sunday.

Clarke is on course to win the KLM Open in Holland after carving out a three-shot lead over Stenson in Kennemer.

The Ulsterman fired a stunning 66 for 12-under 198 to give Faldo more reason to hand him a call-up.

Clarke shared the halfway lead and surged ahead with birdies at the fourth, sixth and seventh holes. He bogeyed the eighth but picked up further shots on the 12th and 13th.

Stenson, already certain of his Cup place after finishing third in The Open and fourth at the USPGA, had a 68 and England's John Bickerton (66) is fourth.

Scot Marc Warren (67) and New Zealander Michael Campbell (69) are a further stroke back. But it wasn't a good day for Justin Rose who flew in from the States in a bid to clinch his Ryder Cup place.

The Englishman fired a one-over 71 and lies 24th meaning he could be forced to compete at Gleneagles in the Johnnie Walker Championship this week.

After three-putting the 18th, his temper boiled over and he said: "That was pathetic."

LEADING SCORES

198 - Darren Clarke 66.

201 - Henrik Stenson (Swe) 68.

202 - John Bickerton 66.

203 - Michael Campbell (Nzl) 69, Marc Warren 67.

204 - Anthony Wall 69, Alexander Noren (Swe) 72, Soren Hansen (Den) 70, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 68, Simon Dyson 70, Paul McGinley 67.

Other Scots: 206 - Gary Orr 71. 207 - Paul Lawrie 70. 209 - Alastair Forsyth 70.

211 - Peter Whiteford 74.