Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson allowed himself to dream of securing a second appearance in the event after leading the British challenge into the third round of the US PGA Championship.
The Welshman, who secured the winning point at Gleneagles in 2014, has struggled with form and fitness this season and came into the final major of the year on the back of missed cuts in four of his last six events.
However, rounds of 69 and 67 at Baltusrol left the 40-year-old just five shots off the lead shared by Jimmy Walker and Robert Streb and with a glimmer of hope of making Darren Clarke's European side which will defend the trophy at Hazeltine in September.
"I played much better than in the first round," Donaldson said. "Thursday was very scrappy, but I managed to make some great saves. I still had to make one or two saves on Friday, but overall the standard of my golf was far better.
"On 17, I lost my concentration when someone in the group behind hit the 16th green, and the crowd cheered on the top of my backswing. I ended up hooking it way left, but managed to find a half-decent lie and made a good recovery onto the fairway.
"The third was only average but I drained a really long putt so it was an unconventional birdie - but I'll take it.
"It's obviously nice to be the leading Brit going into the weekend, but the main aim is just to play better every day. If I can continue on the upward curve, I'll have a chance over the weekend.
"The Ryder Cup's at the back of my mind, but right at the back because I haven't been playing well enough to get near to making the team.
"But everything can change in a week and if I can have a really good weekend, then who knows?"
Source: PA
