Monty unfazed by American resurgence

RYDER CUP captain Colin Montgomerie shrugged off any concerns over a dip in form of Europe’s leading players with only Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter competing against an American resurgence six months ahead of October’s Celtic Manor showdown.

European number one Westwood, who finished second at last week’s Masters, and WGC-Accenture Match Play winner Poulter have been identified by American captain Corey Pavin as Montgomerie’s key to European success in Wales.

But with Phil Mickelson superbly claiming a third green jacket from Westwood at Augusta and world number one Tiger Woods impressively finishing tied for fourth following his five-month exile, the momentum has certainly swung America’s way with only eight European’s making the cut.