Former Ryder Cup Captain Has Cancer

VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) â€” Former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James has cancer and will undergo chemotherapy. <br><br>The 46-year-old Englishman has withdrawn from the next five tournaments on

Tuesday, October 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) â€” Former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James has cancer and will undergo chemotherapy.

The 46-year-old Englishman has withdrawn from the next five tournaments on the European Tour.

``I have been diagnosed with lymphoma and, pending further tests, expect to be starting chemotherapy soon,'' James said Tuesday. ``I would be grateful if the media would respect my privacy at this time.''

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which conveys electrolytes, water, proteins and other fluids into the blood stream. The cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body without treatment.

``Mark James is an outstanding individual with tremendous resilience and we know that he wil face whatever challenges that might lie ahead with great courage and commitment,'' European Tour executive director Ken Schofield said.

James captained the European Ryder Cup team in 1999, when the United States rallied to win in a dramatic comeback on the final day in Brookline, Mass.

James was highly critical of the U.S. team for openly celebrating after a 45-foot putt by Justin Leonard on the 17th green.

James was selected as Sam Torrance's vice captain for the 2001 Ryder team. But he was forced to resign because of his book, ``Into the Bear Pit,'' which chronicled the 1999 Ryder Cup.

The book harshly criticized Nick Faldo, former European Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin and the behavior of the U.S. team. Faldo urged James' resignation.