MICHAEL KING, who played on the European Tour from 1974-1987 before retiring because of acute arthritis, is making a one tournament comeback at the Novotel Perrier Pairs event in Bordeaux this week.

He is playing with Ryder Cup star Sam Torrance, a close friend. And extrovert King, normally full of good cheer, is a little apprehensive as to how he will play.

"This course is nearly 7,000 yards and is really too long for me," he said. "I don't want to let Sam down. I'm really pleased he asked me to play."

King, now a Tour director, made one "last" appearance in 1992, at the European Open at Sunningdale, but said: "That was only because I play regularly at Sunningdale and thought I would give it a go.

"But my trouble is mainly in the back and has spread to my neck, which makes it difficult for me to turn properly when I swing. I still play regularly to keep fit, but I've had more operations than you've had hot dinners."

King has scars on his ankles, knees "and everywhere you can think of the legacy of various operations. But he is in Bordeaux to enjoy himself in what should prove a fun week.

This is a European Tour event with a difference. Instead of the usual 72 holes strokeplay, each pair plays a fourball on the first day, foursomes on the second, greensomes on the third and, on the final day, both play singles, their two scores being added together.

Ironically, last year's winners, Jose Maria Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros, are not defending the title as Olazabal is still not fit to resume his career due to the arthritis in both his feet.