NICK Dougherty has left his Ryder Cup hopes in serious jeopardy after failing to make the cut at the European Open.

The 26-year-old Shaw Hill professional has slipped down the Ryder Cup European Points Standings in recent months, and could now exit the top 10 automatic picks altogether tomorrow evening.

It follows Dougherty’s disappointing one-over-par second round effort at Kent’s London Golf Club, in which he carded four birdies but also six bogies.

His round of 73 – following his first round 71 – left him trailing overnight leader, England’s Ross Fisher, by 13 shots, and thus ensuring his early exit from the event.

It is a seriously damaging blow for Dougherty (left), who surged to the top of the European Ryder Cup Points Table after his stunning Alfred Dunhill Links Championship victory at St Andrews last October.

There is still time for the former QEGS student to make Nick Faldo’s team for September’s Ryder Cup showdown at Valhalla, USA, but a strong showing at this month’s Open Championships at Royal Birkdale is now almost a necessity to bolster his claims.

Fisher leads the way, with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell one shot behind.