Dougherty to play in Milan

His mother's wish for him to win his first Ryder Cup cap in September means Nick Dougherty, devastated by her death nine days ago, will play in this week's Italian Open in Milan.

The funeral of Ennis Dougherty, who died aged 61 in Florida after suffering a heart attack a week earlier, was held in Blundellsands on Merseyside on Tuesday.

Brendan Taylor, Dougherty's manager, said: "Nick's mum wanted him to do all he could to try to make the Ryder Cup team and so, after much consideration, Nick has decided to stick to his planned playing schedule for the year."

The 25-year-old commented in a statement following her death: "She has been the very best mother and a huge influence on my career and life, and I will miss her unbearably."

Dougherty, winner of the Dunhill Links title at St Andrews last October, lies ninth in the Ryder Cup standings.