Hungry Jiménez looking forward

Evergreen Miguel Ángel Jiménez immediately set his sights on a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup Team after finishing fourth in the Masters Tournament.

The 50-year-old again rolled back the years at Augusta National, his final-round 71 ensuring he finished just four shots behind winner Bubba Watson.

That capped a wonderful week for the Spaniard, who yesterday became just the third player aged 50 or over – after Ben Hogan and Fred Couples – to shoot 66 on the famous course.

Far from contemplating winding down, Jiménez remains hugely competitive and is eyeing a return to Europe’s team for the bi-annual contest with the United States having served as a vice-captain in Medinah last time out.

Asked how much he will play on the Champions Tour, Jiménez replied: “I'm going to play only next week. I plan to focus myself for the Ryder Cup and then I need to play in the European Tour for that.

“If you don't play over there you won't have as good of chances. I would like to play on the Ryder Cup and I would like to help Europe defend the Ryder Cup. I would love to do that.”

As if that is not enough, Jiménez has also not given up hope of wearing the fabled green jacket.

When question on whether a senior player could triumph at Augusta, Jimenez said: “Why not? Why not? Fred Couples played nice, (Bernhard) Langer played nice; I played nice, too.

“To win a tournament you need to play hit the ball well, putt good and go play. If you are able and ready to play, you got a chance.”