Howell to partner Donald in World Cup
David Howell has been confirmed as Luke Donald’s partner for England’s defence of the World Cup – the title Donald won with Paul Casey last year.
As the leading Englishman in the world – he is 14th – Donald could pick his partner for the event in Portugal from November 17-20 and, with Casey having fallen down the rankings, he has gone for the next highest player.
Donald, who was chosen by Casey last season, admitted it was a hard decision not to return the favour.
“My first step was to discuss the situation with Paul and he fully understood that I wanted to make my decision based on current form,” he said.
“I have spoken to David and he is looking forward to representing England in Portugal. We both feel that we have a great chance of defending the trophy.”
Colin Montgomerie is among a number of stars who have turned down the event, but the Scottish duo of Stephen Gallacher and Scott Drummond will not have to go through qualifying because of other withdrawals. The same applies to Welsh pair Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge.
The withdrawals of Vijay Singh, Mike Weir and Thongchai Jaidee mean Fiji, Canada and Thailand are not among the 18 nations who are exempt from qualifying.
Ireland are expected to be represented by former winners Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley again.
Sergio Garcia, number six in the world and one half of the 2004 Spanish side with Miguel Angel Jiménez which finished second to England, has confirmed he will play in the Algarve along with a partner to be confirmed.
Angel Cabrera, of Argentina, who finished second in his native country in 2000 with Eduardo Romero, will also take part.
The 2005 BMW Championship winner will, in common with several countries, make his nomination of a partner in due course.
South Africa will have Scottish Open champion Tim Clark and one other, France’s top player is Thomas Levet, and with Bernhard Langer rejecting the event again Germany will have Alex Cejka and Marcel Siem.
