JOHN Bickerton remains in the hunt for a spot on the Ryder Cup's European team - despite missing the cut at the Smurfit Kappa European Open at the weekend.

The Droitwich professional could only come 76th at the K Club in County Kildare, after recording a three-over-par score of 147 after two rounds.

The French Open champion, who propelled himself into the reckoning for the European side with victory at St Omer last week, is still in with a chance of winning a place at the Ryder Cup, which is to be held at the K Club in September.

Bickerton is tenth in the European rankings, just behind Spain's Sergio Garcia.

He must be in the top five by the start of September to ensure his place in the team set to battle the United States.

At the European Open Bickerton started with a one-over-par score of 73 but was unable to improve in the second round when he recorded 74.

Bickerton will be warming up for the 135th Open this weekend when he competes at the Scottish Open at Lochlomond.

He is still fifth in the European Tour's order of merit.