Monty off to a flier

Colin Montgomerie sank a 110-yard wedge shot for an eagle two in a dream start to the Volvo Masters at Valderrama today.

Paired with New Zealander Michael Campbell, the only player who can prevent him winning a record eighth European Order of Merit title, Montgomerie had already had three birdies when his pitch to the 350-yard eighth span back into the hole.

But for a bogey on the fifth the 42-year-old Scot would have led on his own, but as it was he shared top spot with Ryder Cup team-mate Luke Donald, who had six holes of the opening round to play.

Campbell, who had to finish in the top five just to have a chance of toppling Montgomerie, was level par. He failed to get up and down from a bunker at the second, but birdied the long fourth.

Paul Casey, who last November won the World Cup for England with Donald, matched his partner’s outward 31, but then bogeyed the 10th and double-bogeyed the 16th for a one under 70.

Early leader in the clubhouse was Swede Robert Karlsson on 69, while defending champion Ian Poulter was three under with four to go.

Darren Clarke double-bogeyed the seventh and was two over after 13, while Padraig Harrington was on the same mark on the final tee.