Jimenez covets Spanish title

Jimenez: First played in the Spanish Open in 1983

After finishing runner-up to world number one Lee Westwood in Korea at the weekend, Miguel Angel Jimenez is hoping he can go one better in the Spanish Open, which starts on Thursday.

Jimenez heads a strong field of his compatriots at El Prat near Barcelona, with defending champion Alvaro Quiros also teeing off alongside Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal.

“I’ve been in good form and hopefully this week is a little bit better,” Jimenez told the Tour website. “It would mean so much – that’s the one I would love to win the most. And a major, of course.

“I was happy for Lee last week, but hope this week is my week.”

Although both Jimenez and Olazabal have been playing in their national championship since 1983, neither has yet to win it.

The latter is taking part for the first time in seven years but currently appears to be winning the battling with rheumatic pains which has blighted his career in recent years.

No excuse

The 45-year-old played only three tournaments last year, but this will be his seventh of 2011 and he commented: “My health is okay – not 100%, but bearable. It’s certainly no excuse not to play well.”

Meanwhile, Matteo Manassero tees off in search of his third European Tour title – and second in succession.

The 18-year-old Italian became the circuit’s youngest ever champion down the coast in Castellon last October and then three weeks ago, two days before his birthday, pipped Rory McIlroy for the Malaysian Open.

He will create more history next week when he becomes the youngest player ever to compete in golf’s richest event, the £5.7million Players Championship in Florida.

The event also sees Scot Elliott Saltman return after being given a three-month ban in January for a serious breach of rules regarding the marking of his ball on the Challenge Tour last September.