More World Cup spots up for grabs

Siem and Langer won Germany's second World Cup in 2006

The number of teams competing in golf's World Cup in China from 22-25 November has been increased from 24 to 28.

Eighteen countries will be exempt based on next week's world rankings and the other 10 will emerge from qualifying events in Asia and South America.

That qualifying number will come down to nine should hosts China require an invitation to play.

With Padraig Harrington not playing for the first time since 1995, Ireland may find themselves having to qualify.

Their second highest-ranked player in the world at the moment is Graeme McDowell at 126th, followed by Darren Clarke (143rd) and Paul McGinley (164th).

McGinley and Harrington teamed up to win the title in 1997.

The World Cup, which is being staged at Mission Hills in Shenzen, is no longer part of the World Golf Championships series.

Germany's Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem won last year's event at Sandy Lane in Barbados.