Rahm would 'love' to be second Spanish champion at Open, 40 years after Ballesteros triumph

Jon Rahm said on Wednesday he would "love" to become the second Spaniard to win the British Open this week, 40 years on from Seve Ballesteros' first major victory at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

The late Ballesteros won the Claret Jug three times, but Spain is yet to have a second champion, with Jose Maria Olazabal twice finishing third, while Sergio Garcia is a two-time runner-up.

In-form Rahm is hoping he can be the man to end the wait, as he enters the tournament at Royal Portrush full of confidence after his Irish Open triumph at Lahinch two weeks ago.

"Obviously it's an event that's really important as a European and as a Spaniard," said the 24-year-old Rahm.

"And it would be really incredible to do something that great players after him (Ballesteros) haven't been able to do at the Open.

"Olazabal came close quite a few times. Sergio has come close quite a few times. It would be an honour to be the next Spanish player to win an Open. I would very much love to."
"Although honestly, like I said, I don't care how it looks, if it looks pretty or not, as long as I win the event."
- 'Great support' -
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