Monty: Job only half done

Colin Montgomerie led from the front as Europe battled into a 4 1/2 – 3 1/2 lead over Asia after the second day’s four-balls but warned there is still plenty of work to do if they are to claim a third victory at the tournament.

The hosts had led 2 1/2 – 1 1/2 at end of yesterday’s foursomes and Montgomerie opted to tinker with his team by choosing to partner England’s Simon Dyson in the first match while Spaniard Pablo Martin was paired with Swede Henrik Stenson.

That tactic paid dividends with Montgomerie and Dyson particularly excelling together as Europe won three of the best-ball contests to Asia’s one to ensure they hold a one point advantage ahead of tomorrow’s singles.

“That one point lead could be very important indeed,” said Montgomerie. “Going into the singles slightly ahead gives us a good advantage – but the job is only half done.

“There are eight points accounted for and eight more to go. The Asian captain, Joe Ozaki, and I both agreed it was going to be very close, and we both expect the singles to be equally close.

“I’m just glad to be the captain whose team is one point ahead.”

Combining the roles of captain and player appears to have had no ill-effect on Montgomerie as the Scot teamed up well with Dyson to claim Europe’s first point as they beat Indian duo Jeev Milha Singh and Gaganjeet Bhullar 4&3.

Montgomerie and Dyson had been upstaged by Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa and Koumei Oda yesterday but it was the European pair who dominated today and did not concede a single hole on the front nine after taking the lead in the third when Dyson sank a 15-foot putt for birdie.

Robert Karlsson and Alexander Noren then claimed their second successive win as they eased to a 5&4 win over Ishikawa and Oda.

The Swedish duo picked up eight birdies while Noren shot an eagle on the second as they finished on an impressive 10 under par for their 14 holes.

“After winning our first match we felt it was important to get off to a good start again, and not give them anything,” said Karlsson.

South Korean Charlie Wi and Liang Wen-chong prevented Europe from completely dominating the day as they defeated Soren Kjeldsen and Peter Hanson 5&4.

It was then left to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and Spaniard Pablo Martin to ensure Europe head into tomorrow’s singles with a one-point advantage as they defeated Thai duo Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng 3&1.

Stenson’s birdie on the 10th put the Europeans one up before the world number seven picked up four more shots coming home to secure the win.

“That was big – it was a tough game, a good game, and I am pleased my partner and myself could finish it off as we did,” said Stenson. “It means we go into the singles with a narrow lead, and it’s looking good.”

Asia now need to pick up five points from the eight available in singles tomorrow but captain Joe Ozaki is confident his team has the ability to stage a successful defence of the trophy.

“Everyone wants to win and we are here to defend the Royal Trophy with all our strength,” he said.

“I can only ask my team to play their best golf and for the galleries to support them as much as they can.”