Langer wants Ryder job

Bernhard Langer today made it clear he wants to be the next Ryder Cup captain.

The 45-year-old German had delayed confirming his wish to become Sam Torrance's successor for the match at Oakland Hills in Detroit next year because of his chances of making the team as a player and because the date in September 2004 clashes with his daughter's exams.

But, with the Players' Committee due to make their recommendation to the Ryder Cup committee a week tomorrow, Langer made his feelings clear.

He said: "I'm certainly keen to get the job and we'll see what happens," he said after a practice round for The Open at Royal St George's.

Langer's biggest rival for the job remains Ian Woosnam. Sandy Lyle has also applied.