Westwood is really up for the cup

Lee Westwood is desperate to rescue his ailing game in time to play a part in helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup.

And far from considering the unprecedented step of quitting captain Sam Torrance's team because of his poor form, Westwood insisted he is actually relishing the opportunity to take on the United States at The Belfry on 27-29 September.

The former European No1 came to the £3.3 million NEC World Championship at the Sahalee Country Club here having plunged from fourth to 144th in the world rankings in less than 18 months.

The winner of 24 tournaments around the globe hasn't lifted a trophy since the World Match Play at Wentworth in October 2000, and only last week he slumped to an 11-over-par 83 in the second round of the US PGA to miss his eighth cut in 19 starts this season. Yet, after showing flashes of his old form in carding a three-under-par 68 in the first round, a bullish Westwood said: "I don't see any reason why I can't get my game back.

"Once you have played golf to a high level you never lose your ability to play the game. As soon as I start getting back into the rhythm of things it will come back.

"I certainly want my game in good shape by the time the Ryder Cup comes around. It is not much fun if you are not playing well, and I want to be participating and helping the team as much as I can."