Donald: I expect to contend

Luke Donald is confident he can produce the goods and deliver a first major title at the US Open this week.

World number one in bullish mood ahead of US Open

Luke Donald is confident he can produce the goods and deliver a first major title at the US Open this week. The world number one has put together an amazingly consistent run of top-10 finishes dating back to last year in his ascent to the top of the rankings. It means the weight of expectation on the Englishman is greater than ever at Congressional this week, but he has the belief to go all the way. "It's dangerous to go and expect too much and come to a tournament expecting to win," he said. "But I expect to do what I know I can do - and obviously the goal is always to have a chance on Sunday and to contend. "I've been doing that a lot lately and there's no reason why I can't do it this week." Defending champion Graeme McDowell also sees no reason why Donald should not be in the mix at the weekend. "I've played with him a few times this season, and he has been really, really impressive," he said. "I always knew he had a great wedge game and a great short game and a putting stroke to die for, so he's really got his game polished up and driving it a lot better and he's really got the whole package now."