Monty handed Match Play boost

Confirmation that Tiger Woods is not returning to the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth in October has helped Colin Montgomerie to earn a place in the 16-man field.

World number one Woods, knocked out in the first round by fellow American Shaun Micheel on his second appearance in the event last year, has turned down his invitation along with Masters champion Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk and Sergio Garcia.

Montgomerie now qualifies for another shot at the €1.5m first prize thanks to his European Open victory last month.

At the time the Scot was denied a Match Play spot by Niclas Fasth, who was runner-up to him at the K Club but qualified for Wentworth from a mini-Order of Merit based on designated European Tour events.

The four withdrawals, however, mean that Fasth will be one of 10 players to win places from their performances in the four majors and that opens the door to Montgomerie.

“Delighted,” said the eight-time European number one, who will be back in action at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles next week.

“I have had so many terrific experiences at the Match Play through the years that I would have hated to miss out. I am looking forward to October already.”

Open champion Padraig Harrington and US Open champion Angel Cabrera will be the two current major champions in the field.

They are joined by six-time winner Ernie Els, defending champion Paul Casey, Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, American Jerry Kelly, Argentina’s Andres Romero, Dane Anders Hansen and five more yet to be determined.