Not since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has anyone attempted to be a playing captain in the Ryder Cup. But Tom Lehman has still to announce what he will do if he qualifies for the American side for the K Club in September - and his current form suggests he may well have to make the decision.

The former Open champion was last night tied 11th, at seven under par after 16 holes at the Nissan Open in Los Angeles.

He lay six shots shots behind joint leaders Rory Sabatini and Fred Couples, who had completed 13 hole. Adam Scott was 12 under after 17 holes.

Lehmann, who came into the event 21st in the American points standings, said on Tuesday: "We want to field the 12 best players the US has to offer, whoever they are. I would have to prove to myself that I'm playing really well and I would probably want to get the opinion of the guys on the team."

Paul McGinley, who had an even-par round of 71 on Saturday, had four bogeys in yesterday's final round of 74 to finish one over for the tournament. Graeme McDowell missed the cut after rounds of 73 and 72.

Tiger Woods withdrew at the halfway stage with flu.