68 S Tinning (Den), M Roe, S Dodd, I Garrido (Sp), L Westwood, I Woosnam. 69 S Kjeldsen (Den), N Dougherty, W Bennett, B Dredge, M A Martin (Sp), P Lawrie, M Lafeber (Neth), S Hansen (Den), J M Lara (Sp), M Maritz (SA), A Coltart Selected: 70 J M Olazabal (Sp) 71 P McGinley 73 N Faldo 75 C Rocca (It), P Eales 76 S Ballesteros (Sp) 77 S Lyle.. 67 T Levet (Fr), G Havret (Fr), J Sandelin (Swe), M Moreno (Sp), A Cabrera (Arg), B Lane, P Fowler (Aus). I was working on some stuff, but then decided to throw it out of the window and forget about how I was swinging it."MADRID OPEN (Club de Campo): First round leading scores (GB or Irl unless stated): 63 P Casey 64 S Garcia (Sp), 65 R Karlsson (Swe), P Harrington 66 N O'Hern (Aus). When an approach to the 16th hit a cart path and bounded a long way over the green into trouble, Lyle commented: "I was lucky to find my ball and that sums the year up - a year of knocks."Casey, 26, whose round did not count as a course record-equalling effort because placing was allowed on the wet fairways, said: "I didn't expect much after two weeks off and not hitting it well the last two days. I haven't got a cat in hell's chance."The 45-year-old Scot needs a top nine finish to have any hope of keeping his place among the tour's top 40 career money-winners. Failure to do so will mean he has to seek special invitations from sponsors to play a full schedule next season.

But Sandy Lyle is on the verge of losing the European tour card he has retained for 25 years following a six-over 77.

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Casey, who has moved up to 22nd in the rankings after beginning the year at 104, is one shot ahead of Sergio Garcia and two in front of Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson after the first round.Lyle, however, is close to last and, having run up two double bogeys and three bogeys, he said: "That's game, set and match, I think. Paul Casey is on the verge of breaking into the world's top 20 for the first time after a brilliant eight-under-par 63 in the Madrid Open here yesterday. Aston Villa yesterday terminated the contract of Alpay Ozalan, their Turkey international, by mutual consent. The central defender caused a storm of controversy earlier this month when he goaded David Beckham after the England captain had missed a penalty in the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul. He was then involved in another confrontation with the Real Madrid midfielder in the players' tunnel at half-time.Alpay, signed for £5.6m from Fenerbahce more than three years ago, was already unpopular with many Villa supporters and was booed during the recent home game with Charlton Athletic.The Villa chairman, Doug Ellis, said: "In light of recent events, it would have been difficult for Alpay to represent Aston Villa again in the future and the player himself was aware that life in England had become increasingly difficult for him and his family. Therefore, both parties agreed the best course of action was for the immediate termination of his contract, which was due to expire in June 2004."The 30-year-old became unpopular with England fans for his part in the events during the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul on 11 October. He has since denied being the catalyst for the bad feeling during the match, claiming Beckham swore at him and spat on his shirt's badge.It was 10 days before Alpay returned to training with Villa, but though he was not even part of the Villa reserve squad for Tuesday's game against Middlesbrough, he was not expected to be sold before the transfer window.The German side Hertha Berlin and Galatasaray, of Turkey, are expected to lead the chase to sign Alpay.The Football Association is continuing to sift through documents before deciding what charge to bring against Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester United defender could face a lengthy ban and fine after failing to take a drugs test.

The FA, though, are refusing to be rushed into making a decision and are yet to set a deadline for bringing charges.A spokesman said: "The FA will proceed through all the facts with due diligence before making any decision as to what further steps .. may be taken.". Full-back could yet prove a weakness at the highest level, however. Glen Johnson's positional sense was exposed for Simone Inzaghi's opening goal, while Wayne Bridge was better going forward than defending.Provided they glean something from Italy and Turkey, Chelsea's record of just two defeats in 42 European home games augurs well for their progress in the Champions' League. Abramovich's ambition and Ranieri's continued employment may make it imperative..