Faldo hopes to lead Europe to a fourth straight Ryder Cup win

Five players will again qualify based on world ranking points accumulated from ranking events over 12 months.

A further five will earn places based on money won in European Tour Order of Merit tournaments, while captain Nick Faldo will make two wildcard picks.

"The expression 'if it aint broke don't fix it' applies here," said Faldo.

"This selection process has proved successful on both sides of the Atlantic, at Oakland Hills in 2004 and The K Club in 2006.

"By using the world ranking and the Order of Merit as the principal means to determine the 10 qualifiers, I am confident that Europe will have the nucleus of a highly competitive side, so allowing me sufficient freedom to make my two captain's picks."

The decision to continue with Europe's selection process is in sharp contrast to the approach of the US team, who have doubled the number of wildcard picks to four, while Ryder Cup points will also now be based on money earned rather than top-10 finishes.

But Richard Hills, Europe's Ryder Cup Director, added: "We believe that the system currently in place is competitive and representative of the talent at Europe's disposal."

The 2008 Ryder Cup takes place in the United States at Valhalla Golf Club, Kentucky from 19-21 September.