Asians closing the gap, says Montgomerie

Colin Montgomerie believes golf can now be considered truly a world game and he would not be at all surprised if this week's Carlsberg Malaysian Open was won by one of Asia's biggest names.

India's Arjun Atwal claimed the title last year and went on to become the first player on the Asian PGA to win US$1m in prize money.

This year's local challenge is led by China's Lian-Wei Zhang - who won the Caltex Singapore Open last year - and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, a player in prime form.

Jaidee won the Volvo Masters of Asia last year and enters this week's event in Kuala Lumpur on the back of a victory at the Myanmar Open on Sunday.

"The game of golf worldwide has closed ranks," said Montgomerie.

"I think 15 years ago there would have been a big difference between the top Europeans, top Americans and top Asians - but now it is a lot closer.

"So it would not surprise me or anybody if one of the top Asians won again, like they did last year."

Montgomerie has a decent record in this part of the world, having won the Macau Open last year and the 2002 TCL Classic in China.

He leads the European charge on Thursday - along with Ireland's Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington, the highest-ranked player in the event.

"Some of the best in Europe against the best players in Asia," said Montgomerie.

"You look at the world rankings and you look at Harrington. But local Asian players, knowing the conditions, being comfortable with the conditions and the grasses, you cannot discount any of them.

"We are playing away from home."

Harrington, who insists he does not get affected by the oppressive heat and humidity of Asia, has an incredible record in Asia.

The Dubliner, returning after nine weeks off, won the Omega Hong Kong Open just before Christmas and last year's BMW Asian Open in Taiwan.

At the Malaysian Open - dating back to 1999 - he has finished second twice, once in a play-off to Vijay Singh and never lower than 14th.

"I feel very comfortable here. I like the golf course; it suits me. These type of greens suit me," he said.

"It is a good way to start off because you have not played for nine weeks."

Harrington and Montgomerie enter the tournament after vastly different build-ups, the Scot having already recorded top-20 finishes at the South African Open and Johnnie Walker Classic.

He feels in decent nick; his back is not playing up, and Montgomerie is looking forward to the different tests the undulating course at the Saujana Golf and Country Club will present.

"This is a very good golf course, very tough, very demanding," he said.

"The heat is going to be a factor; concentration is always a factor in the last six or seven holes when it is so hot. I seem to sweat more than most but I usually do quite well in these conditions.

"Of my last European Tour performances my worst place has been 16th, which is encouraging.

"This demands other criteria. Very few holes are flat; there are a lot of sidehill lies and a lot of uphill and downhill shots to hit.

"It's different criteria to what we normally play, so it's difficult.

"I am very happy. I have new equipment this year; I am striking the ball well and I am putting a lot better than I was the first two weeks. If I putt well I am normally on and around the leaderboard."

Montgomerie tees off at 8am local time (midnight Irish time), while both Harrington and Zhang have afternoon starts.

The Chinese man is paired with Simon Yates and Johnnie Walker Classic winner Miguel Angel Jimenez.