Alexander Levy plays down Ryder Cup bid ahead of China defence
By Ali Stafford
Last Updated: 25/04/18 12:52pm
Alex Levy is refusing to get carried away about the possibility of a Ryder Cup debut as he aims to build on a strong start to the season at the Volvo China Open.
The Frenchman secured a fifth European Tour title and his third in his many seasons at the Trophee Hassan II last week, with a one-shot victory lifting him inside the top-10 of the Ryder Cup qualification standings.
Levy can further bolster his hopes of a home appearance at Le Golf National with victory at Topwin Golf and Country Club, where he returns as defending champion, but believes there is still plenty of work to do to get in to Thomas Bjorn's plans.
"Nothing has changed with regard to the Ryder Cup," he said. "I'm the same person, same thinking. I want to do the same things, just enjoy my life, play golf and we will see what happens.
"To say the Ryder Cup is my goal, of course it is because everyone dreams about this, but for me we have so many good players in Europe.
"Right now, I need to improve my game to be on this team and I just have to think of my own game and not think too much about the Ryder Cup. I just want to play my best."
Levy, a two-time winner of the event, plays alongside home favourite Haotong Li and Kirdadech Aphibarnrat for the first two rounds, while Bernd Wiesberger makes his first start since the Masters.
"I feel like it is a defence for me this week," Wiesberger said. "I love coming to China and I love playing here. I've always played well and I'm also looking forward to this week.
"Obviously I came off a high from winning Shenzhen and I think I finished fourth last year, so I played well. It's a course that I like."
Watch the Volvo China Open throughout the week on Sky Sports. Coverage begins from 6am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event on Thursday, ahead of live coverage from 7.30am.