Montgomerie: Woods defeat was key

Europe captain Colin Montgomerie pinpointed the crushing defeat of Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker as the catalyst for his team’s superb day at the Ryder Cup.

Americans Woods and Stricker were thrashed 6&5 by Lee Westwood and Luke Donald in the first foursomes clash, and Europe went on to clinch five and a half points from a possible six, to go from two behind in the match to three in front heading into tomorrow’s singles.

Montgomerie told Sky Sports 1: “This is what this word ’momentum’ is all about.

“We’ve said it all week.

“Especially Woods. When Woods loses 6&5 that is a serious defeat for the rest of the American team.

“He is their number one guy, of course he is. He’s number one in the world.

“But for him to lose, not just lose but to lose that convincingly, helped us through today.”

Montgomerie revealed his planned order for the singles matches has been affected by the team’s outstanding day, and will change.

He added: “It’s been a fantastic day. Five and a half to a half. It was a superb effort from all 12 players and that’s what it takes to win a Ryder Cup - all 12.”