Westwood aims to continue revival in Marbella

By Norman Dabell

MARBELLA, Spain (Reuters) - World number 20 Lee Westwood can continue his career revival this week if he retains his Andalucia Open title.

The 2000 European number one turned his fortunes last year when he won at the Aloha Golf Club and back-to-back titles on Spain's Costa del Sol can only enhance his stature.

The 34-year-old lies third on Europe's order of merit but he would move within 62,428 euros ($97,240) of leader Henrik Stenson if he records his 19th European Tour success.

While there is a reasonably strong field at Aloha, Westwood is clear favourite to better his two runner-up spots so far this season that have seen him climb the world rankings further and sit top of Europe's Ryder Cup table.

Westwood's Andalucia win took him from outside the world's top 50 into an ascent on which he shows no sign of faltering.

"It was a big win for me in terms of gathering some momentum and getting me back up to where I am now," Westwood said in a European Tour news bulletin.

NOT COUNTING

When Westwood returned to the winner's enclosure last season, it was his first victory for three years and 227 days, but he said he had not been counting.