The Scot, who captained Europe to a 15�-12� victory at The Belfry last Sunday, said on Monday that he wanted more time to think about his plan to stand down.

But Torrance, 49, said in a statement on Friday that he is sticking to his original decision.

Torrance said: "If selected (for 2004), I feel that I would be the sentimental choice rather than the reasonable choice for captaincy.

"By the time of the next matches, I will have been on the Seniors Tour for almost two years and won't have been playing with the players week in and week out as I did this time.

"Without seeing the guys regularly, I don't think I would have the same rapport and wouldn't necessarily be able to recreate the team atmosphere that was so enjoyed last week.

"It is very tempting, but it wouldn't be right for the team and that, in the end, is the most important thing."

Ian Woosnam, Torrance's assistant at The Belfry, and Germany's Bernhard Langer will be among the favourites to replace him for the 2004 event at Oakland Hills, Michigan.

Another contender, Nick Faldo, has ruled himself of the running, saying his aim is to play in the next team.