Six book Ryder Cup places

Westwood and Clarke are in the European team

Six players, including Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, have booked their places in Europe's Ryder Cup team.

The British pair will be joined by Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Levet.

None of the six can now be caught in the Order of Merit list, with four more automatic places up for grabs at next week's BMW Open.

Colin Montgomerie will have to rely on a wild card after hitting two closing rounds of 75 in the NEC Invitational.

For Levet, qualification is a dream come true.

He is the only debutant in the side so far - and will become only the second Frenchman to play in the Ryder Cup, following Jean van de Velde in 1999.

"It's a nice feeling. It was one of my goals and now I've achieved it," Levet said.

Paul Casey could be another new boy, with David Howell, Ian Poulter and Paul McGinley currently filling the remaining three automatic spots.

Others in with a chance are Jean-Francois Remesy, Joakim Haeggman, Brian Davis, Fredrik Jacobson, Raphael Jacquelin and Graeme McDowell.

"It's going to be an exciting week in Germany," said McGinley, who won the Ryder Cup for Europe last time out.

Montgomerie will have to rely on a wildcard

"Somebody could have a hot week and jump me, but I could have a hot week.

"The destiny is in my hands - if I win the tournament I'm in the team."

As for Montgomerie, he will have to hope his record of never being beaten in a Ryder Cup singles match will stand him in good stead.

He said: "I want to play well next week, but I want to play well in every tournament. It's no different."

Langer would not be drawn on his likely decision but admitted: "It would have been nice to see Monty contend, but he is not far away."

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