David Duval, who tops the US money list with $2 million this year, does not have great expectations ahead of only his second European Tour event. "I'm just getting my feet wet in a different arena," he said yesterday.

Although he moved up to number two in the world this week, it will be back to rookie status when he takes on Europe-seasoned compatriots such as Mark O'Meara and Fred Couples this week in Paris.

"I've only ever played in Britain before and this is going to be a little bit different to what I'm used to," said Duval, who has selected this event and the Million Dollar Challenge in South Africa from about 12 worldwide invitations he received this year.

"I don't think it's reasonable to expect I can win this event like Mark O'Meara did last year," he said.

"I'm very comfortable at home but playing and winning in the US has no bearing on what I can achieve this week. It's just like being a rookie all over, all new to me . . . even what to eat.

"I don't have the experience of Mark (O'Meara) and Fred (Couples) and I just hope I can compete well. Anything above that is a bonus."

Duval's only other European Tour appearance was in the 1995 Scottish Open but he has a more than reasonable record in the last four British Opens he has played.

This year he finished tied 11th at Royal Birkdale after being 20th, 14th and 33rd in his previous British Opens.