WHO WILL BE MONTY'S MEN IN 2010?

So now we know that Colin Montgomerie will be the captain. But who will be playing under him at Celtic Manor next year?

Twenty months before the Americans defend the Ryder Cup here is a prediction, with some tips that might help win back the trophy:

PADRAIG HARRINGTON (Ire). 37. Three majors now, how many by October 2010? Montgomerie won't care as long as the Dubliner does better than he has in the last two matches: nine games and not a single win. Caps 5. Played 21 Won 7 Halved 3 Lost 11.

Message to Monty: He's your star, so make him your on-course leader.

SERGIO GARCIA (Spa). 29. Up to world number two and given his age could well end up as the Ryder Cup's leading scorer. Has never lost in foursomes, yet Nick Faldo rested him in Louisville. Caps 5. P24 W14 H4 L6.

Message to Monty: Don't have him sitting in a buggy, even if he says he's tired.

ROBERT KARLSSON (Swe). 39. Europe's leading money-winner last year, member of last two teams and played like a world-beater at times last September. At long last starting to belief he can win anywhere. Caps 2. P7 W1 H4 L2.

Message to Monty: Keep reminding him how good he is.

HENRIK STENSON (Swe). 32. 2007 World Match Play winner and third and fourth in the last two majors. His time may be coming and it would surprise nobody because he definitely has the game. Caps 2. P7 W2 H2 L3.

Message to Monty: He's the one who suggested you as captain, now get the most out of him.

LEE WESTWOOD (Eng). 35. Equalled Arnold Palmer's unbeaten Ryder Cup run, then was benched by Faldo and lost his next two games. Has beaten Tiger Woods five out of six times. Caps 6. P29 W14 H5 L10.

Message to Monty: Woods will be back, so Westwood's your man.

LUKE DONALD (Eng). 31. 100% record in four foursomes with Garcia and was badly missed at Valhalla after undergoing wrist surgery. Back playing after six months out and even if he needs a wild card it will be worth giving him one. Caps 2. P7 W5 H1 L1.

Message to Monty: Donald and Garcia. Write it down as a pairing now.

PAUL CASEY (Eng). 31. Has just ended two years without a victory and Montgomerie will be hoping it is a launchpad for greater things. Casey has always had the potential - he and Donald won four points out of four at the 1999 Walker Cup. Caps 3. P9 W3 H4 L2.

Message to Monty: Keep showing him his hole-in-one at The K Club.

IAN POULTER (Eng). 33. Controversial pick by Faldo, but boy did he respond - four points out of five to be the top scorer on either side. Justin Rose said his friend played best when he had a point to prove and how right he was. Caps 2. P7 W5 L2.

Message to Monty: Forget your past clashes with him. He can play.

MARTIN KAYMER (Ger). 24. 2007 Rookie of the Year who won twice last season and came so close to making the team that Faldo invited him to America for the experience. He lapped it up and is earning rave reviews. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Get to know him.

JUSTIN ROSE (Eng). 28. Had to work hard to get into the 2008 side, but then rose to the challenge with three wins out of four. He will be disappointed if he hasn't at least challenged for a major by the time of the next match. Caps 1. P4 W3 L1.

Message to Monty: Rose and Poulter. Write it down now.

RORY MCILROY. 19. Boy wonder whom many thought capable of becoming the event's youngest-ever player last year. Did not make it, but he has into April's Masters and the sky seems the limit. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Put him under Westwood's wing.

ROSS FISHER (Eng). 28. The way he won the European Open last July was simply stunning and with his length he just has to find more consistency to be one of Europe's leading lights. Uncapped.

Message to Monty: Tell him how much Celtic Manor is like The London Club.


MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN
CLARKE: MONTY IDEAL FOR CUP CAPTAINCY

PAST WINNERS COME GOOD

Experience proved crucial for Henrik Stenson and Richard Green at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday as the two former champions roared to the top of the second-round leaderboard.

Dubai-based Swede Stenson carded a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 to move onto 11 under despite spending 12 hours at the Emirates Golf Club after fog again delayed the completion of a large proportion of Thursday's first rounds.

Not to be outdone by the 2007 champion, 11 years after his win, Australian Green blazed a flawless nine-under-par 63 to leap up to second at 10 under par, a shot clear of world number two Sergio Garcia, who let slip only one bogey in a 66.

But with a total of six hours play lost over the opening two days, more than half the field will return in the morning to complete their second rounds with 24 unable to start at all.

Stenson arrived at the course at 6am but was forced to wait three hours before completing his first-round 68, which ended with a disappointing bogey after finding the water on the 18th green.

He recovered and his knowledge of his home course proved crucial as a weary Stenson, runner-up last week in Qatar, took the overnight lead courtesy of an eight-foot birdie putt on his 25th and final hole of the day.

"I was a little bit disappointed with the finish to the first round, I felt like I threw a couple away there but I didn't give hardly anything away in the afternoon," said the 32-year-old.

"I had a good touch around the greens and made some good saves and chip-ins and putts. It was a grinding day but when I hit bad shots I recovered well and made some good birdies on the good shots."

Stenson plays an extra 10 rounds per year at Emirates Golf Club and was able to leave his often-troublesome driver in the bag and rely on his experience.

"I was hitting some good tee balls with the three wood and then a couple of so-so ones," he added.

"I know the course and I know where I wanted to be on most of the holes so I don't feel the need to hit a driver really to get it going."

Green also finished his first-round 71 on Friday morning, but was delighted his putter came alive in the afternoon to inspire one of the best rounds of his career around a course that has been made tougher, longer and tighter since his victory.

He said: "I've been hitting my putter well for a while without getting the results I deserved. But something seems to have clicked today, which needs to happen if you're going to shoot low. You've just got to take advantage of it when your putter's hot - and that's made all the difference today."

After winning November's HSBC Champions to take over as world number two, Garcia has continued to close the gap on Tiger Woods with back-to-back top-10 finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, although he was never really in a position to challenge the leaders.

"I think my whole game is in good shape," he said. "It's showing in that the weeks that I don't score well, I'm finishing fifth, sixth or seventh. The weeks that things happen a little bit more to me, I'm going out there to win."

First-round leader Rory McIlroy was able to start his second round but will hope his first-hole bogey does not prove crucial in his bid to win a maiden title after dropping down to seven under.

Asian number one Jeev Milkha Singh signed for a four-under 68 to join McIlroy four shots adrift, while in-form South African Louis Oosthuizen, Sweden's Robert Karlsson, Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Frenchman Gregory Havret are a shot further back after playing a handful of second-round holes.

Tournament officials will hope for a prompt start on Saturday morning, which should allow the third round leaders to complete nine holes before returning on Sunday morning ahead of their final rounds.

But should fog again delay the start, officials will have to decide whether to extend the tournament until Monday or opt to cut the US dollars 2.5million event to 54 holes, depending on the length of any delay.


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STENSON EYEING HOME WIN

STENSON EYEING HOME WIN

Former champion Henrik Stenson is hoping home advantage will play a key role as he bids get his Dubai Desert Classic title challenge off to a flying start today.

The 32-year-old Dubai resident practises at the Emirates Golf Club and plays an extra 10 rounds a year around the championship course.

And with five of the world's top 12 assembled this year, the 2007 champion is ready to make his advantage count after finishing inside the top eight in each of the last three years.

"It's one of my favourite courses. This is where I practise and play at the moment. I get a good few rounds in with some friends," said the world number seven.

"With it being my home course, and one where I have won before, I have good memories, and you know where to be and not to be on all the holes. That gives you a relaxed feeling.

"I really enjoy playing this course because you never get fed up playing it and it's always a tough test.

"I've played the tournament since 2001 so I've had quite a number of rounds on it during tournament play as well and every year you add something to your experience bank and it should get easier and easier."

After enduring a confidence-draining missed cut in Abu Dhabi, Stenson's game - which saw him finish in the top 10 nine times last year - returned in Qatar last week as he finished second behind Spain's Alvaro Quiros.

He fired himself into a tie for the lead midway through the final round but was unable to match the explosive Quiros down the stretch and was forced to settle for second place.

"I didn't play well in Abu Dhabi, but I had some good practice time in between and I got back stronger and played quite nicely last weekend. I needed a few more putts to drop but I gave Alvaro a good run for his money," he added.

"I am happy with that and I'm playing quite nicely so I am a bit more confident going into this week."

Even though defending champion Tiger Woods is unable to seek a third Classic title this week as the world number one continues to recover from knee surgery, Stenson is up against world number two Sergio Garcia, European number one Robert Karlsson and the equally consistent Lee Westwood.

Ernie Els is another who certainly knows his way around in Dubai, the South African boasting a phenomenal record of top-three finishes over the last seven years, which includes two wins following his maiden triumph in 1994.

In 11 appearances, he has never finished lower than eighth and his opening-round 11-under-par 61, which kicked off his wire-to-wire victory in 1994, remains the course record.

He missed out on a fourth win last year after being outdone by a majestic Woods over the final round.

Els he opted to take on the final green in a bid to post a championship-winning eagle but found the water when a closing birdie would have earned a play-off.

"I feel comfortable here. I feel comfortable with the people involved with the tournament, the crowd and especially the golf course. I've got good lines that I follow off the tees," said the 39-year-old.

"It's been very similar every year. We've had some different weather conditions through the years, when the winds kicks up it can become tricky.

"This year it's very lush, high rough so you've got to keep the ball in play and be less aggressive off the tees."


COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE
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MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

CLARKE: MONTY IDEAL FOR CUP CAPTAINCY

Darren Clarke believes Colin Montgomerie's superb record in the Ryder Cup made him the ideal candidate for the position of European captain.

Montgomerie was announced this afternoon as Europe's captain for the 2010 competition, which will take place at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales.

He will be charged with the task of regaining the trophy after Europe lost 16.5-11.5 to America in Valhalla last year to bring Europe's nine-year hold on the trophy to an end.

Clarke was part of the 15-man committee which unanimously selected Montgomerie on Wednesday.

The Ulsterman missed out last year but has played five times in the competition and starred in Europe's nine-point win at the K Club in 2006.

Montgomerie has won 23.5 points as a Ryder Cup player, just 1.5 points behind the record held by Nick Faldo, and Clarke believes this will help him captain the team in Wales.

"He's got an incredible record in the Ryder Cup; he's been the Ryder Cup talisman for many years," Clarke told Setanta Sports News.

"He'll be very player-orientated; he'll take a keen interest in how the players are doing. The fact that he'll be captaining the tour, playing in the team will be an added bonus."

Jose Maria Olazabal's ongoing fitness battle meant he missed out on the chance to lead the Ryder Cup team.

"He's been battling for fitness for quite some time and I'm sure, if Monty asked him, he'd be only too pleased to help out.

"We just hope Jose Maria continues his way back to full health."

Oliver Wilson believes Montgomerie can develop a closer bond with his players than predecessor Nick Faldo.

"He's got a lot of experience and I think the second best Ryder Cup record in the European team's history, but the best thing will be his communication to all the players," Wilson told Sky Sports News.

"Anyone who makes the team will know him really well. Everyone's going to be comfortable with him. He's going to be able to talk to everyone, bring everyone together and put everyone in the right frame of mind.

"Faldo and Montgomerie have two very different personalities," he added.

"Monty is going to be more communicative with the players. Everyone will know him better than Faldo and they may be more comfortable with him because he is younger.

"For me, Nick Faldo was a legend of the game.

"I grew up watching him but I never played alongside him whereas with Colin I have played alongside him for four or five years so I have got to know him and I would feel more comfortable with him just because I have known him for so long and for me that's the best thing.

"That's how I feel and I'm sure it will be the same for anyone else coming into the team."

Ian Poulter admits he and Montgomerie "have had our little ding-dongs" - but he expects Europe's new Ryder Cup captain to be inspirational in the role.

"His record is very impressive in the Ryder Cup, and it's something people respect highly," Poulter said.

"He will be able to perform under pressure because he always has - I can't see why he would be any different as captain.

"We've had our little ding-dongs, but he is such a great person - and as captain, you would perform for him. He'd have great respect from everyone, and you'd expect him to get the best out of you."


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MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

POULTER TARGETS MAJOR PRIZE

Ian Poulter is determined to build on his runner-up finish at last year's Open Championship and break his major duck in 2009.

The Englishman was second only to an inspired Padraig Harrington at Royal Birkdale last July and at one stage during the final-round looked capable of securing a first major crown.

A memorable back-nine from Harrington ensured it was the Dubliner who emerged victorious, but Poulter has taken great heart from that performance.

With a stellar individual showing during Europe's Ryder Cup defeat at Valhalla also to his credit, the 33-year-old is convinced he is now ready to join the game's elite and feels 2009 could be the year he makes a major breakthrough.

"I always set my targets pretty high, I do want to achieve well in the big tournaments and playing well in the Open last year was very pleasing," he told Sky Sports .

"I want to go a step better by putting on a green jacket or winning the Open - just trying to be in contention to win one of those tournaments.

"I felt the buzz this year at the Open and I'd like to be able to feel that more.

"(A major win) would be a special moment for sure. (I've dreamt about it) many times - lots of thoughts, certainly after the Open this year.

"Mindsets of how to be able to go that one step closer. I feel that would take me to the next level for sure.

"I feel confident about my game, I feel confident about my ability on the golf course - I just would like to see myself in contention in the majors this year and have a chance to slip a green jacket on or pick up a Claret Jug. It would a dream and something we're working towards."


COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE
MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN
Study: Late ex-NFL player had brain condition

MONTGOMERIE NAMED RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

Colin Montgomerie marked his first day as Europe's Ryder Cup captain by warning the United States they only have the trophy on loan.

The 45-year-old Scotsman has been a Ryder Cup hero out on the course in previous years, but in 2010 he intends to steer Europe's finest to glory at Celtic Manor in his new role.

He is determined to instil a winning mentality in his team and Montgomerie was clear about his ambitions as he addressed the challenge of taking on Corey Pavin's American side.

"My message to my players is very easy, we go and claim back the Ryder Cup," said Montgomerie.

"I have been given a task not just to captain this team in Wales but to win back the Ryder Cup in Wales.

"We feel something is missing, the last three captains have had the privilege of sitting with the Ryder Cup in front of them and I don't. It is my job to make that come true for the following captain in 2012.

"It is a very responsible position that I now hold and with that comes an awful lot of responsibility, but for the European Tour's sake I hope it will end up in victory."

Montgomerie succeeded Nick Faldo as captain following a unanimous decision from the players' tournament committee and described it as "the greatest honour for a European".

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who was vice-captain to Faldo in the defeat at Valhalla last September, had been a potential candidate for the job, along with Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam.

But the fact Montgomerie is still a regular fixture on the European Tour swung the decision firmly the way of the five-time former Ryder Cup winner.

Montgomerie only emerged as a front-runner two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi when Sweden's Henrik Stenson was the first to put his name forward.

He had previously indicated he wanted to return to the team next year to win a ninth cap as a player, and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to take up the captaincy.

But with Europe now boasting 11 of the world's top 30 and Montgomerie playing alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington each week, it was decided next year was his time after an out-of-touch Faldo failed to inspire a fourth consecutive European victory last year.

"The players changed my mind about playing in 2010," said Montgomerie.

"I have always had huge respect for the players on the European Tour and I've been listening and taking heed of what they've been saying and it just seems the time is right for me to take the helm and be captain.

"With the wealth of talent we have on the European Tour we could field three teams that are as almost as strong as each other. We have new talent emerging and a nucleus of a team, but we have a nucleus of a team that I will be very excited to captain."

Montgomerie made the first of eight Ryder Cup appearances in 1991 under Bernard Gallacher and went on to playing on winning teams in 1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

"This is one of the proudest moments I can think of. I am very proud and honoured to be selected by the committee to be the 2010 Ryder Cup captain," said Montgomerie.

"It's not just an honour but a huge responsibility as well having lost the last Ryder Cup in Valhalla. It is important we do everything we can, and I promise I will do everything he can, to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010."

The eight-time Order of Merit winner has not lost any of the eight singles matches he has played in the Ryder Cup and has won 23.5 points in total, putting him just 1.5 points behind the record held by Faldo.

But he ruled out any prospect of being a playing captain next year.

"All the points I earn as a player for the Ryder Cup will be nullified," he said.

"I will not in any way, shape or form come anywhere near to qualifying for the team.

"I am captain and a very proud and honoured man right now."


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COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

Colin Montgomerie has been appointed captain of the European team for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

Here we back a look back at the key moments in his golfing career.

1963: Born Glasgow, June 23.

1984: Runner-up to Jose Maria Olazabal in British Amateur.

1985: Scottish strokeplay champion. Walker Cup debut.

1987: Scottish champion. Second Walker Cup cap. Turns professional.

1988: Rookie of the Year after coming 52nd in Order.

1989: Wins first European Tour title at Portuguese Open by 11 strokes.

1991: In Ryder Cup debut comes from four down with for to play to halve with Mark Calcavecchia, but Europe lose.

1993: Scores 3 1/2 points in Ryder Cup, but Europe lose again. European number one for first time after winning Dutch Open and Volvo Masters.

1994: Loses play-off for US Open to Ernie Els. European number one again.

1995: Loses play-off for US PGA Championship to Steve Elkington. Part of winning Ryder Cup side and third successive Order of Merit crown.

1996: European number one again and adds Million Dollar Challenge in South Africa.

1997: Second in US Open again, clinches Ryder Cup victory by halving singles against Scott Hoch and becomes first player to win Order of Merit five years in a row.

1998: Sixth successive money list crown, victories including Volvo PGA Championship.

1999: Seven Order of Merits in a row, plus Cisco World Match Play and joint top scorer in the Ryder Cup, but Europe lose and he is heckled.

2000: Wins third successive Volvo PGA championship, but reign as European number one ends.

2002: Takes Tiger Woods to play-off in Germany and stars in Ryder Cup victory at The Belfry.

2004: Marriage collapses, but sinks winning putt as Europe retain trophy in Detroit.

2005: Runner-up to Tiger Woods in Open, captures eighth Order of Merit.

2006: Joint runner-up in US Open after double-bogeying last hole. Part of another winning Ryder Cup side.

2008: Marries for second time.

2009: Appointed Ryder Cup captain for 2010 in Wales.


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OLLY MUST WAIT FOR TOP CUP ROLE

Jose Maria Olazabal will be part of Colin Montgomerie's backroom staff at Celtic Manor but it remains to be seen if the legendary Spaniard will captain Europe in the future.

Montgomerie, 45, was named as Nick Faldo's successor in Dubai and the Scot quickly confirmed Olazabal will join him in Wales after the two-time Masters winner was overlooked due to his poor health.

Olazabal's recent battles with rheumatism have limited the 42-year-old to only three tournaments in the last eight months and he is expected to take charge in Chicago in 2012 after impressing as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla, despite the five-point defeat.

But questions over his health stopped Europe's tournament committee unveiling Olazabal for the trip across the Atlantic at the same as confirming Montgomerie's 2010 captaincy.

Montgomerie said: "I think it's quite obvious Jose Maria will be part of my team at Celtic Manor. I have a great understanding and respect for him.

"We first came together in 1984 in the British Amateur final and it's amazing how the two of us have gone forward in this game from that date.

"Let's hope Olly's health does not stop him ever becoming captain.

"From what I have heard from Valhalla, he was fantastic in the team room and I have great respect for him and he is the favoured candidate for 2012, so long as his health does not deteriorate to any degree, and let's hope and pray not.

"It might have been a double announcement this time but I don't think Jose Maria was in a position to say yes at this stage, but who says he will not be in a position to say yes in two years' time, but as this stage he probably isn't as he is unaware of his health issues at this time."

Montgomerie also confirmed Thomas Bjorn, who is chairman of the player's committee who appointed him, will also have a role in his team at Celtic Manor should the Dane fail to qualify as a player.

Bjorn, 37, was part of the victorious Ryder Cup teams in 1997 and 2002 but is now ranked 213th in the world.

"I do respect him," said Montgomerie. "He did a wonderful job under Bernhard Langer in 2004 as a captain's assistant and I would hope to use Thomas, if he doesn't quality for the team, in any way, shape or form."

Montgomerie is expected to name more than one vice-captain for Celtic Manor after Faldo drew criticism for only using Olazabal last year, while United States captain Paul Azinger had three.

He added: "It is difficult to judge the backroom team as I wasn't there but my optimum number is more than we had last time."

Azinger also had four captain's picks last year and the question whether to increase the number available to Montgomerie will be discussed at the next committee meeting in Ireland in May.


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COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE

QUIROS CHARGES INTO THE LEAD

Alvaro Quiros intends to ride his luck all the way to the Qatar Masters title after storming into a one-stroke lead with a stunning bogey-free third round of 64.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is renowned for his big-hitting but was pleased to show a deft touch on the greens in his eight-under-par round, which helped propel October's Portugal Masters champion to 16 under for the tournament - a shot clear of second-round leader Louis Oosthuizen.

In-form South African Oosthuizen set the standard with a flawless 65 on Friday and remains in the hunt for a maiden European Tour title. He battled to a 69 despite a disastrous four-putt on the fifth green which saw him ship a double-bogey six.

It was also not plain sailing for Quiros who after charging to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies in eight holes fortunately avoided a one-stroke penalty on the ninth fairway despite sending a wayward drive up a tree.

Quiros' luck escaped him in Abu Dhabi last week but after watching an attempted lay-up rebound off a rock and back onto the fairway on Friday, this time he was handed a free drop instead of the usual one-shot penalty as the tree was staked.

He almost took full advantage of the break as he left a birdie putt on the edge of the hole, despite hacking his second shot onto a cart path.

"It's been my lucky week," said the beaming Spaniard.

"I can't remember the last time I won, but I hope it's going to be a new day, and with a bit of luck I will be fighting for the trophy. But this is golf and you have to wait until it's your week.

"Last year I was hitting the ball well and the scores never arrived except the last four months of the year.

"I made silly mistakes on the course yesterday but it was good and today was just a great day of putting. I missed two or three short putts but I made two or three long ones."

Despite seeing a three-shot second-round lead eliminated, Oosthuizen remained upbeat despite his "up and down" day which included five birdies.

After making a late charge to finish a narrow second in Abu Dhabi last week, he is perfectly placed to add a European Tour title to the five tournaments he has won in South Africa.

"I think one behind is a good spot. If you are three or four ahead everyone is really thinking you have to win. One behind is a nice spot to put myself in with 18 holes left," he said.

"Alvaro shot an unbelievable round. It will be nice playing with him. It will be the two of us head-to-head."

Holland's Maarten Lafeber and 2006 Qatar champion Henrik Stenson sit well placed at 12 under after recording matching 66s, while inaugural Qatar champion Andrew Coltart finished strongly with two birdies in three holes to card a 70 and lie just a shot further back.

Stenson fell victim to Adam Scott's course record of 61 last year which handed the Australian the title and relegated the Swede to runner-up, and he knows it will need to be his turn tomorrow to halt Quiros.

"Yesterday was a struggle but the first day was okay and today was the best I've played all week. I am definitely making a big step in the right direction," said Stenson.

"Anything can happen on the last day and if I shoot a good score I might have an outside chance.

"But it's going to take one of Adam Scott's rounds to threaten Alvaro. But Adam did it to me last year so hopefully I can return the favour to somebody else this year."

World number two Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Australia's Aaron Baddeley all found their form at the right time with 67s but head into the final round seven adrift at nine under.

Collated third round scores & totals at Doha GC, Doha, Qatar

(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par: 72)

200 Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 69 67 64

201 Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 67 65 69

204 Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 68 70 66, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 66 72 66

205 Andrew Coltart 66 69 70

207 Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 68 72 67, Anders Hansen (Den) 67 72 68, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) 66 71 70, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 70 70 67, Chapchai Nirat (Tha) 69 69 69, Lee Westwood 67 73 67, Paul Broadhurst 68 70 69

208 Damien McGrane 69 69 70, Robert Dinwiddie 67 73 68, Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spa) 69 72 67, Johan Edfors (Swe) 72 67 69

209 Brett Rumford (Aus) 67 69 73, Alexander Noren (Swe) 72 71 66, Retief Goosen (Rsa) 69 73 67, Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 70 69 70, Thomas Levet (Fra) 71 70 68

210 Anthony Wall 70 70 70, Stephen Gallacher 72 69 69, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 69 72 69

211 Robert Karlsson (Swe) 68 72 71, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 73 69 69, Niclas Fasth (Swe) 70 71 70, Nick Dougherty 68 72 71, Simon Dyson 72 70 69, Bradley Dredge 74 67 70

212 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 70 71 71, Peter Hanson (Swe) 72 69 71, Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 70 72 70, Robert Jan Derksen (Ned) 71 72 69, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 68 74

213 Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 70 71, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 71 71 71, Adam Scott (Aus) 73 70 70, Soren Hansen (Den) 72 71 70, Markus Brier (Aut) 70 71 72, Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den) 73 71 69, Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 71 70 72

214 Rory McIlroy 76 68 70, Richard Finch 73 67 74, Ernie Els (Rsa) 70 71 73, Joakim Haeggman (Swe) 73 70 71, Martin Kaymer (Ger) 71 72 71, Ross McGowan 73 66 75, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 71 73 70

215 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 72 71 72, Gary Murphy 71 71 73, David Howell 71 71 73, Paul Lawrie 72 71 72, Marcel Siem (Ger) 72 71 72, Danny Willett 73 71 71, Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra) 71 73 71, Peter Hedblom (Swe) 69 71 75

216 Stephen Dodd 70 72 74, Oliver Wilson 69 73 74, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 70 73 73, Jamie Donaldson 70 73 73

217 Scott Strange (Aus) 72 71 74, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 73 71 73, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 73 71 73

218 Steve Webster 72 71 75, Ross Fisher 71 71 76

219 Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 76 68 75

220 Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 68 75 77

221 Graeme Storm 72 72 77


ACE PRIZE FOR QUIROS
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LOW SCORING START TO THIRD ROUND

Playing partners Peter Hanson and Gonzalo Fdez-Castano set the scene for a low-scoring third round at the Qatar Masters after picking up three quick shots this morning at a bright but chilly Doha Golf Club.

Swede Hanson, who is currently sixth on the Race to Dubai, finished 10th in Abu Dhabi last week and moved into contention for a third top 10 finish of the young season after storming out of the blocks with birdies over his first three holes.

Spaniard Fdez-Castano joined Hanson at six-under-par overall after making an even more explosive start with an eagle at the first which was quickly followed by a birdie three holes later.

Scotland's Stephen Gallacher also moved onto six-under as he picked up three shots over his opening four holes.

Former champion Retief Goosen and Swede Niclas Fasth had earlier paved the way for low morning scores with a hat-trick of birdies to start their rounds but the duo could keep up with their quick starts.

Goosen, the 2007 Qatar champion, slipped back to four under with a bogey at the sixth, while Fasth handed all three shots back with a double-bogey and bogey in the later part of his front nine.

Halfway leader Louis Oosthuizen begins his bid for a maiden European Tour title from 12 under later this afternoon, with inaugural Qatar champion Andrew Coltart three shots adrift in second.

Yesterday Abu Dhabi runner-up Oosthuizen took control of the US

2.5million tournament with a flawless second-round seven-under-par 65, while joint first-round leader Coltart signed for a solid 69.

Young Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Australia's Brett Rumford are in touching distance at eight under with Miguel Angel Jimenez a further shot off the pace.


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COLTART HITS THE FRONT IN QATAR

PEREZ RETAINS LEAD AFTER STRONG FINISH

Pat Perez produced a strong finish to his third round as he carded a 67 to remain top of the Bob Hope Classic leaderboard on 25 under par.

After a consistent start on the back nine, Perez sank five birdies on the front nine in his five-under effort to hold a two-shot lead over fellow American Steve Stricker.

Two strokes in front of Briny Baird at the start of the day, Perez managed only one birdie over his first nine holes in stark contrast to his previous 36 holes, when he posted rounds of 61 and 63.

However, the 32-year-old soon rediscovered his touch and made birdies at the first, second, fourth and fifth holes.

After just his second bogey of the tournament at the par-four fifth hole, Perez responded with his 25th birdie of the tournament on the next.

"I hit it great all day and it was a little better for me on the front," Perez said. "But I wasn't really comfortable on the back."

Despite his impressive form so far, Perez refused to contemplate a winning score as he closes in on a first PGA Tour title.

"No, I won't think about that at any point," Perez said.

"I'm just going to try to go as low as I can and make a lot of putts. That's all I'm going to do.

"I'm not going to worry about a number. If I play great and I come up short, I come up short. But I'm not going to worry about a number or anything the other guys are doing, I can only do what I can control. So I'm just taking it one hole at a time and we'll go from there."

Stricker, who was eight shots behind Perez at the start of his third round, played himself into contention with a bogey-free round of 61 to tie Charlie Wi for the best score of the day.

Searching for his first win since 2007, Stricker - like Perez - has recorded just one bogey over his first 54 holes.

"I just gave myself a lot of opportunities today," Stricker said.

"I kept the ball in play, hit some close shots, made a couple of lengthy putts and everything that you need to do in an 11-under round, I guess I did.

"I guess the biggest thing was I gave myself a lot of opportunities and didn't make any mistakes."

Vaughan Taylor (64) is three shots back while David Berganio (68), Chris Stroud (67), Richard Johnson (67) and Jason Dufner (67) are all four shots off the lead.

Taylor, in particular, was thrilled with his performance.

"It still feels like a 64," Taylor said.

"It's fun. It's good playing. I felt like I could have shot a few better but at the same time, I think it was a great round."

Baird, who had briefly taken the lead, stumbled towards the end of his round before eventually signing for a 70. The American is in a group of six golfers who are five strokes off the lead.

The 90-hole event is being played over four courses and features a first prize of US 918,000.


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MONTY ESCAPES RYDER CUP QUESTIONS

Colin Montgomerie was able to avoid any more questions about the Ryder Cup captaincy as he missed the cut at the Qatar Masters on Friday.

The Scotsman jetted straight off to Dubai, where a decision on who will lead Europe at Celtic Manor next year is expected next week.

On Thursday Jose Maria Olazabal, the other main contender for the role, confirmed his interest, but Montgomerie brushed off a barrage of questions, telling journalists: "I'm not saying anything significant today to anyone. I will see you next week and I look forward to it."

The eight-time Order of Merit winner, whose three-over-par 75 left him two shots adrift of the cut, only emerged as a front-runner last week having previously indicated he wanted to return as a player before taking on the captaincy at Gleneagles in 2014.

The 45-year-old failed to qualify for the team last year and was overlooked by Nick Faldo for a wildcard place. He is far more likely to have a playing role in next year's event however, with Olazabal continuing to be dogged by injuries. The Spaniard, who was Faldo's vice-captain last year, has missed much of the last two years with rheumatism and fatigue, and was forced to withdraw from this week's Qatar Masters - although he is expected to tee off in Dubai next Thursday.

Europe's tournament committee, of which Montgomerie is a member, is expected to make a decision on Wednesday. Sandy Lyle and 2006 captain Ian Woosnam are outside contenders.

Olazabal's compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez, who made his Ryder Cup debut in Europe's defeat at Valhalla last year, endorsed the two-time Masters champions' decision, but remained tight-lipped as he is also a member of the tournament committee.

"I think it would be very nice if Jose got the job. Olazabal showed what he can give to the team last year, but anyone would be very good," said Jimenez.

"I don't want to say who I think should be captain. We will have to wait until next week."


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LOUIS HAPPY TO LEAD FROM FRONT

In-form Louis Oosthuizen may lack experience of leading on the European Tour but the South African has certainly picked a tournament to try it out after storming to the top of the Qatar Masters leaderboard.

The 26-year-old is a five-time winner on his native Sunshine Tour but even though he narrowly missed out on his maiden European Tour crown in Abu Dhabi last week after Paul Casey held on to claim a one-stroke victory, he was always lurking just off the pace before falling narrowly short following a final-round charge.

But after two rounds at Doha Golf Club, twice South African PGA Championship winner Oosthuizen held a three-shot lead over the strongest ever field assembled for a regular European Tour event following a bogey-free, seven-under-par 67.

"I don't really have much experience of leading on the European Tour. I have been in South Africa and it's gone well," said Oosthuizen.

"We have 36 holes left. I'm confident with the way I'm playing and I feel like I have a good chance. We'll just see how it goes over the next two rounds.

"I'm not going to do anything differently than I've been doing. It feels nice having a three-shot lead after the second round, I played well and I'm happy."

With 1998 Qatar champion Coltart in the clubhouse on nine under par following a solid second-round 69, Oosthuizen battled early afternoon rain before blazing around the turn with four birdies in five holes to move on to 12 under.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros fired three late birdies as the big-hitting Spaniard carded a 67 to earn a share of third place at eight under alongside Australia's Brett Rumford, who shot a 69.

"I would have definitely taken a three-shot lead after the second round. I am playing well and I am very happy," said Oosthuizen, who started the year with a 10th-place finish at the Joburg Open.

"If you look at the players who are here it's an amazing field. If you just have a look at the world-ranking points that are here this week it's an amazing week.

"It's always a nice confidence boost to play well the week before and that second spot was very close to a play-off. It was nice bringing that form to Qatar and I am very happy."

Miguel Angel Jimenez sits five adrift in fourth with fellow overnight leader and 2006 champion Henrik Stenson in a group at six under.

Sergio Garcia, Robert Karlsson and Lee Westwood are all at four under, with defending champion Adam Scott well down the field a further three shots back.

American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley, compatriot Brandt Snedeker, Abu Dhabi winner Casey and Justin Rose all missed the cut.


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DALY OUT BUT COMPTON IN FOR DUBAI

Troubled former Open champion John Daly, currently serving a six-month ban from the US Tour, is no longer in the field for next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

But the tournament will see the European Tour debut of Erik Compton, the American golfer who last year underwent a second heart transplant operation.

Daly had originally planned to play the entire three-week Middle East swing on the circuit, but told organisers of the Abu Dhabi Championship last week that his game was "not yet up to shape" and it now remains to be seen when he will next play.

He revealed the PGA Tour suspension himself last month, saying he wanted to go public to let fans and tournaments know that he wasn't abandoning them by taking his game to Europe.

In October police said that the 42-year-old, whose world ranking is now down to 744th, appeared intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant in North Carolina and he was taken to jail to sleep it off.

Compton was diagnosed at age nine with cardiomyopathy, an enlarging of the heart which hinders its ability to pump blood.

Three years later, in 1992, he had his first transplant and went on to play in the 2001 Walker Cup before turning professional.

He has received special permission from the PGA Tour to use a golf cart and to continue taking banned anti-rejection pills, but after a heart attack in October 2007 it became clear he would need another transplant. The surgery took place last May and five months later he made it through the first stage of the qualifying school in the States.


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OOSTHUIZEN TAKES HALFWAY LEAD

Louis Oosthuizen snatched the halfway lead at the Qatar Masters from former champion Andrew Coltart after the South African blitzed a flawless second-round seven-under-par 65 today.

With 1998 champion Coltart in the clubhouse on nine-under-par following a solid three-under 69, Abu Dhabi runner-up Oosthuizen battled early afternoon rain to reach the turn in three-under before taking advantage of calming conditions to move onto 12-under-par and establish a three-shot lead over the Scot.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into third place with a five-under 67 which included a hat-trick of birdies to finish from the young Spaniard.

He is joined at eight-under by Australia's Brett Rumford who signed for a solid 69 which included just a solitary bogey.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, who held the overnight lead with Coltart and another former champion Henrik Stenson, was satisfied with a one-under 71 but sits five adrift in fourth.

After dropping just one bogey in his opening round 67 yesterday, Oosthuizen, 26, picked up a first shot of the second round at the 452-yard par-four fifth before blazing around the turn with four birdies in five holes.

Back-to-back birdies from the 15th quickly followed to put the two-time South African PGA Champion well in the hunt for a maiden European Tour breakthrough.

"I would have defiantly taken a three-shot lead after the second round. I am playing well and I am very happy," said Oosthuizen, who started the year with a 10th-placed finish at the Joburg Open.

"It's always a nice confidence boost to play well the week before and that second spot was very close to a play-off. It was nice bringing that form to Qatar and I am very happy."

Stenson, the 2006 champion, could only manage a level-par 72 to remain at six-under alongside Ireland's Damien McGrane (69) and Paul Broadhurst (70), while Lee Westwood need three late birdies to salvage a 73 and dropped into a tie for 16th alongside world number two Sergio Garcia, who signed for a second consecutive 70, at four-under.

Defending champion Adam Scott, who has a 100% record at Doha Golf Club after also winning in 2002, carded a second-round 70 to move to one-under-par.

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey (69), Justin Rose (72) and Colin Montgomerie (75) all missed the cut.


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OOSTHUIZEN ON THE MOVE

Louis Oosthuizen made his move up the Qatar Masters leaderboard on Friday afternoon as the South African's flawless second-round front nine left him a shot adrift of clubhouse leader Andrew Coltart.

With 1998 Qatar champion Coltart on nine-under-par following a solid three-under 69, Oosthuizen continued the form which saw the 26-year-old narrowly miss out on a maiden European Tour title in Abu Dhabi last week.

After dropping just one bogey yesterday, Oosthuizen picked up a first shot at the 452-yard par-four fifth before reaching the turn in a flourish with back-to-back birdies.

Earlier, joint overnight leader Coltart claimed the outright lead with a steady trip around Doha Golf Club in mild morning conditions.

"I'm pleased. There is always a question whether you can follow up a low round and I think I managed it," said the 38-year-old Scot.

"I think if you go around that course and shoot under par you have done really well and off the back of the 66 I was really proud of it."

Coltart grabbed his first birdie with a 10-foot putt at the eighth before another followed to start the back nine after two-putting the par five.

A three-putt a hole later accounted for his only bogey, but a chip-in three at the 12th pushed him back to two under before a up and down at 16 brought the Scot home.

He added: "There were some scrappy moments, it is the type of game you cannot play the same one day to a next, but I got the job done with a couple of nice chips, a couple of nice pitches and a couple of nice putts and three under I'm happy with.

"It was by no means the perfect round of golf, but I am delighted to shoot under par."

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into second place at eight-under with a five-under 67 which included seven birdies from the young Spaniard.

Quiros' round was helped by a hat-trick of birdies to finish, although he was fortunate his attempted lay-up at the last rebounded off a rock and only landed in semi-rough.

"I was playing well last week and didn't have any luck," said the 26-year-old.

"Yesterday I played good again and I didn't have any luck either so today was the day.

"I'm working well and putting good, sometimes with luck and sometimes without and that is the difference between a good score and a bad score."

Joint overnight leader Miguel Angel Jimenez was unable to build on his bogey-free first-round 66 but was satisfied with a one-under 71 which left the Spaniard alone in fourth at seven-under.

Defending champion Adam Scott, who has a 100% record at Doha Golf Club after also winning in 2002, carded a second-round 70 to move to one-under.

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey (69), Justin Rose (72) and Colin Montgomerie (75) were all set to miss the cut.


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CHALLENGE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Linna Golf Club in Finland is one of six new venues on this season's European Challenge Tour, which will see a minimum of 24 events in 18 different countries.

The Darren Clarke-designed Champions Club course at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort in County Kildare will host the Challenge of Ireland on June 11-14, while Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Club in Aiemore is the new venue for the Scottish Challenge from July 30-August 2.

Biggest purse will be the 430,000 Euros Kazakhstan Open on September 17-20 and the Tour will retain its presence in South America with the Club Colombia Masters on March 19-22.

European Challenge Tour Schedule:

March 5-8: Spanish Challenge, venue to be confirmed

March 19-22: Club Colombia Masters, Country Club, Bogota

April 16-19: Tusker Kenya Open, Muthaiga, Nairobi

April 30 - May 03: Banque Populaire Moroccan Classic, El Jadida

May 14-17: Allianz Open Cotes d'Armor Bretagne, Blue Green de Pleneuf Van Andre, France

May 21-24: Piemonte Open, La Mandria, Turin, Italy

May 28-31: Telenet Trophy, Royal Waterloo, Brussels, Belgium

June 11-14: Challenge of Ireland, Moyvalley, Co Kildare, Ireland

June 18-21: St Omer Open, Aa St Omer, Lumbres, France

June 25-28: Swedish Challenge, Bastad

July 2-5: Credit Suisse Challenge, Wylihof, Luterback, Switzerland

July 9-12: Allianz EurOpen de Lyon, Gouverneur, Monthieux, France

July 23-26 Swalec Wales Challenge, Vale Hotel, Cardiff

July 30- August 02: Scottish Challenge, Macdonald Spey Valley, Aviemore

August 6-9: SK Challenge, Linna, Vanajanlinna, Finland

August 13-16: Trophee de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland

August 27-30: Wroclaw Challenge, Toya, Wroclaw, Poland

September 10-13: Dutch Futures, Houtrak, Halfweg, Netherland

September 17-20: Kazakhstan Open, Nurtau, Almaty

September 24-27: Qingdao Open, Qingdao Huashan, China

October 1-4: Ecco Tour Championship, Holsterbo, Denmark

October 8-11: Allianz Open, Grand Toulouse, Seilh, France

October 22-25: Italian Federation Cup, Le Querce, Rome

October 28-31 Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, San Domenico, Puglia, Italy


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MONTY QUIET ON RYDER ROLE

Colin Montgomerie has refused to comment on Jose Maria Olazabal's decision to put himself forward for the 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy.

Montgomerie, 45, only emerged as the front runner to lead Europe's bid to reclaim the coveted trophy at Celtic Manor last week after previously indicating he wanted to play in Wales and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to be captain.

On Thursday' Olazabal's manager said the 42-year-old Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's assistant last year at Valhalla, is available and would accept the role despite also hoping to qualify as a player.

Europe's tournament committee, of which Montgomerie is a member, are expected to make a decision on Wednesday in Dubai.

"I'm not saying anything significant today to anyone,'' said Montgomerie after carding a second-round 75 at the Qatar Masters.

"I will see you next week and I look forward to it.''

Two-time Masters champion Olazabal and Montgomerie are the clear front runners with Sandy Lyle and 2006 captain Ian Woosnam believed to be outside contenders.

Olazabal's chances of being named as a player have diminished due to injuries which have plagued him in recent years and forced him out of this week's event, although he is expected to play in the Dubai Desert Classic, which starts on Thursday.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez endorsed Olazabal's decision, but remained tight lipped as he is also a member of the tournament committee.

"I think it would be very nice if Jose got the job. Olazabal showed what he can give to the team last year, but anyone would be very good,'' Jimenez said.

"I don't want to say who I think should be captain, we will have to wait until next week.''


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COLTART STAYS ON TRACK

Former champion Andrew Coltart opened up a one-stroke lead at the midway point of the second round of the Qatar Masters.

The 38-year-old Scot added a second-round 69 to his opening 66 to finish nine under par at Doha Golf Club.

Portugal Masters champion Alvaro Quiros leapt up the leaderboard and into second place at eight under with a five-under 67 which included seven birdies.

Overnight joint leader Miguel Angel Jimenez was unable to build on his bogey-free first round but was satisfied with a 71 which left him third and a shot clear of Maarten Lafeber (70), Damien McGrane (69) and Australian Masters champion Rod Pampling (68).

"I'm pleased. There is always a question whether you can follow up a low round and I think I managed it," Coltart said.

"I think if you go around that course and shoot under par you have done really well and off the back of the 66 I was really proud of it.

"There were some scrappy moments, it is the type of game you cannot play the same one day to the next, but I got the job done with a couple of nice chips, a couple of nice pitches and a couple of nice putts.

"I'm happy with three under and I'm looking forward to the weekend. It was by no means the perfect round of golf, but I am delighted to shoot under par."

At the other end of the leaderboard, American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley (73), Abu Dhabi champion Paul Casey (69) and Justin Rose (72) were all set to miss the cut along with Colin Montgomerie (75).


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OOSTHUIZEN ON THE MOVE

ISHIKAWA INVITED TO MASTERS

Japan's Ryo Ishikawa will become the second youngest player to appear in The Masters after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.

He will be 17 years, six months and 23 days when the tournament starts in April. Tommy Jacobs, who played as an amateur in 1952, was five months younger.

"At a young age, Mr Ishikawa has shown the skill and competitiveness to make him a deserving recipient of this invitation," Augusta chairman Billy Payne said.

"We see this as an opportunity to expose an emerging talent on a world stage and fulfil our objective to grow the game.

"I am optimistic that his participation in the Masters will inspire younger players and increase interest in golf in Asia and beyond."

Ishikawa's victory at the 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur made him the youngest winner of a main tour event.


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COLTART HITS THE FRONT IN QATAR

Former champion Andrew Coltart claimed the outright lead at the Qatar Masters this morning after picking up two shots during his second round at an overcast Doha Golf Club.

The Scot, who claimed the inaugural Pearl trophy 11 years ago, shared the overnight lead at six-under-par with Ryder Cup duo Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez but claimed sole possession after two quick birdies in four holes around the turn.

Veteran Spaniard Jimenez carded two birdies over his opening three holes but a bogey five at the 11th, his second of the day after starting on the back nine, left him seven-under and tied for second with Maarten Lafeber.

Holland's Lafeber picked up three shots through the opening nine holes of his second round with two birdies over his first four holes and two over the last four wrapped around a solitary bogey five.

Lafeber has fallen down the golfing radar since his 2003 Dutch Open success and last year posted a third place finish at the Irish Open as his best performance of a mainly unspectacular season.

With 2006 champion Stenson set to begin his challenge later this morning from six under, Spain's Alvaro Quiros and England's Nick Dougherty moved onto five under.

Defending champion Adam Scott has a 100% success rate in Doha but continued to struggle to show the form that saw him claim a second Qatar Masters last year although the Australian world number 14 picked up a shot over his opening eight holes to move to level par.

Meanwhile, last week's winner in Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey and American Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley were in danger of missing the cut.

Casey, who also missed the cut in Doha two years ago after winning in Abu Dhabi the previous week, remained at four over through seven holes of his second round, while playing partner Weekley shipped a double bogey six to slip back to three over on European Tour debut after signing up last week.


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LATE RYDER BID FROM OLAZABAL

Jose Maria Olazabal might easily have been made Ryder Cup captain by now if he had said months ago he wanted the job.

But now he has finally declared himself available for selection, the Spaniard has heavyweight competition in the shape of Colin Montgomerie ahead of the decision next Wednesday.

Not that Olazabal should worry about missing out totally like Sandy Lyle. If Montgomerie is still put in charge for Celtic Manor next year then Olazabal would appear to be a certainty for Chicago in 2012.

Assistant to Nick Faldo in the Louisville defeat last September, the 42-year-old from San Sebastian was reported to have done a fine job.

He looked a natural successor but, despite the rheumatism that had kept him out of action for much of the year, said he wanted to play next time and so the guessing game started.

Montgomerie, who said the same thing, spoke up for fellow Scot Lyle, while 2006 captain Ian Woosnam was in the running, too, for the first-ever match on Welsh soil. Miguel Angel Jimenez's name was mentioned as well.

Then, however, came the lengthy tournament committee meeting in Abu Dhabi last week.

Montgomerie was in attendance, but was out of the room for some time and speculation began that was to allow his colleagues to discuss whether the time was right for him to take over.

Previously the eight-time European number one had been earmarked for home soil at Gleneagles in 2014, but the need for a younger man than Faldo seemed to be one decision that was made.

Montgomerie would be the same age - 51 - as Faldo at Gleneagles and, with the odds on him being made captain next year tumbling after the meeting, it was generally assumed he had made himself available and that had got out.

All that might have been dependent, though, on Olazabal finally deciding he did not want to be considered. Now his manager has said he does.

"He is available - if he is offered the job he will say 'yes'," Sergio Gomez said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Olazabal has played only two events since last May and pulled out of this week's event in Qatar, but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered. Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the Valhalla course how he wanted and he could use the crowd as a "13th man".


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PEREZ MAINTAINS BOB HOPE CHARGE

Pat Perez continued his impressive form at the Bob Hope Classic as he carded a second consecutive bogey-free round to take a two-shot lead following Thursday's second round.

Perez followed up a blistering opening 61 with a nine-under-par 63 to move to 20-under and open up a gap over Briny Baird.

Perez, who never has won on the PGA Tour, reeled off 19 birdies and an eagle in his first two rounds that included a sizzling 28 over his first nine holes on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old made another excellent start on Thursday, sinking birdies on five of his first eight holes before adding four more over the second half of his round.

Baird, meanwhile, recorded a hole-in-one on the par-three seventh hole en route to his second straight 63 and help him keep in touch with Perez.

Baird also added eight birdies, including four in a row from the 13th, to claim sole possession of second place at 18-under.

David Berganio was level with Baird before a bogey on his final hole - the ninth - finished off a 64 that left him alone in third, three shots off the pace.

Tom Pernice Jr carded a bogey-free 63 to share fourth with Chris Stroud (63), Richard S. Johnson (65) and Jason Dufner (65) a shot further back.

Brad Adamonis shot the lowest round of the day, signing for a 10-under 62 to move within five shots of the lead.

Adamonis made eagles at the fourth and 16th and had a chance to match Perez's 61 from Wednesday but bogeyed the 18th.

Canadian Mike Weir, the 2003 champion, started the day one shot off the lead after an opening 62 but stumbled to a two-under 70 to fall away.

DJ Trahan, looking to become just the second player to defend this title, carded a 67 and is in a group that includes Weir.

Only Johnny Miller has been able to claim back-to-back titles at the Hope, in 1975 and 1976.

In the past 32 years, only five defending champions have ever posted top-10 finishes in their title defence.

With the impressive start, Perez set a PGA record for the lowest 36-hole score to begin a tournament. He improved on the previous mark by a stroke, a record that was shared by five players including Tiger Woods, who achieved the feat at the 2000 NEC Invitational.

"It doesn't really mean anything. It's nice," Perez said.

"It means you can get hot for two days. I would like to have all kind of records at the end of the week. Three-day, four-day, five-day, you know, trophy, Vegas, booze, all that stuff. That's what I want.

"So two days is nice, but I would really love to be sitting here late Sunday. So that's the goal.

"It's not really a dream, a dream would have been actually shooting in the 50s yesterday like I wanted to.

"But it's just nice. The course is set up for it, the pin placements aren't the hardest and the weather's been perfect."

Baird, meanwhile, revealed he felt his tee shot on the seventh hole, which he aced, was always going to end up close to the pin.

"I knew it was perfect when I hit it, even though I thinned it, because it was just going to be a baby nine-iron," he said.

"And as soon as I hit it I was like, I hit it thin, it was a little right of where I wanted it, it was like, 'whoa, that's going to be really good.' And it took one skip, went behind the hole and spun back into the hole. It's fun to watch.

"If I was going to draw it up that's how would I drew it up."

Baird was also delighted with his second consecutive round of 63.

"I don't care how easy the conditions are or how easy they can set up a golf course, that's a heck of a lot of birdies and you're doing a heck of a lot of things right," he added.

Collated second-round scores (USA unless stated, par 72):

(x) denotes amateurs

PGA West Nicklaus Course

124 Pat Perez 61 63

126 Briny Baird 63 63

129 Brad Adamonis 67 62, Derek Fathauer 65 64, Steve Elkington (Aus) 65 64

130 Chris Couch 67 63

131 Bo Van Pelt 66 65, Bubba Watson 62 69

132 Robert Garrigus 67 65, Mike Weir (Can) 62 70, Steve Lowery 67 65, Scott Piercy 66 66, Mark Wilson 66 66

133 Jeff Maggert 66 67, Lucas Glover 65 68

134 Nathan Green (Aus) 69 65, Olin Browne 66 68, Stephen Ames (Can) 71 63

135 Ryan Palmer 70 65, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 68, Mark Brooks 69 66, Alex Cejka (Ger) 68 67

136 Will MacKenzie 70 66, Jason Bohn 66 70

137 Eric Axley 69 68

138 Greg Owen (Eng) 69 69

139 Dustin Johnson 68 71

141 Daniel Chopra (Swe) 72 69

142 Gary Woodland 72 70

143 Peter Tomasulo 73 70, Troy Kelly 73 70, Wes Short jr. 72 71

At Bermuda Dunes GC

128 Chris Stroud 65 63, Jason Dufner 63 65

131 Rich Beem 66 65

132 David Mathis 66 66, D.J. Trahan 65 67

133 Matt Kuchar 66 67, Glen Day 65 68, John Mallinger 66 67

134 Jeff Klauk 67 67, Michael Letzig 66 68, Webb Simpson 68 66

135 Charlie Wi (Kor) 68 67, Bill Lunde 67 68, Brian Gay 65 70

136 Ken Duke 68 68

137 Chad Campbell 66 71, John Senden (Aus) 67 70

138 Charley Hoffman 72 66, Mark Calcavecchia 68 70, Jason Gore 70 68

139 Kevin Na 70 69, Justin Leonard 72 67, Corey Pavin 71 68

140 Robert Gamez 70 70

141 Tommy Armour III 70 71

142 Mike Miles 70 72, Harrison Frazar 72 70

144 Brian Davis (Eng) 72 72, James Oh (Kor) 71 73

145 Lee Janzen 74 71, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 72 73

149 Brad Faxon 77 72

Silver Rock

130 Vaughn Taylor 63 67

132 Steve Stricker 65 67

133 John Merrick 68 65, David Toms 68 65

134 Steve Marino 65 69

135 Bob Estes 66 69, Casey Wittenberg 69 66, Steve Flesch 68 67, Billy Mayfair 68 67, Cameron Beckman 68 67, Tim Clark (Rsa) 66 69

136 Kirk Triplett 67 69

137 Jerry Kelly 66 71, D.A. Points 71 66, Nick Watney 66 71, Colt Knost 69 68, Jeff Quinney 71 66, Tim Petrovic 68 69, Bobby Clampett 70 67

138 Dean Wilson 67 71

139 Billy Andrade 68 71, Michael Allen 68 71, John Huston 6970

140 Greg Chalmers (Aus) 69 71, Scott Verplank 69 71, Fred Couples 68 72

141 James Nitties (Aus) 73 68

142 Jarrod Lyle (Aus) 71 71

143 Joe Ogilvie 70 73, Donnie Hammond 72 71

144 John Rollins 71 73

148 Kris Blanks 70 78

PGA West Palmer Course

127 David Berganio Jnr. 63 64

128 Richard S Johnson (Swe) 63 65, Tom Pernice Jnr. 65 63

131 Kevin Sutherland 64 67, Cliff Kresge 68 63

132 Chris DiMarco 64 68, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 67 65, Heath Slocum 65 67, Chez Reavie 66 66, Peter Lonard (Aus) 65 67

133 Ben Crane 63 70

134 Scott McCarron 66 68, Woody Austin 66 68, Rick Price 64 70

136 Bill Haas 68 68, Brett Quigley 68 68, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 66 70, David Duval 68 68, Todd Hamilton 65 71, Nicholas Thompson 66 70

137 Brendon De Jonge 67 70, Johnson Wagner 70 67, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 65 72

138 Brian Bateman 68 70

139 Joe Durant 73 66

140 Matthew Borchert 69 71, Jonathan Byrd 70 70

141 Bart Bryant 70 71, Notah Begay III 69 72

142 Matt Bettencourt 65 77

143 Tim Herron 71 72

145 Ryan Moore 68 77


PEREZ RETAINS LEAD AFTER STRONG FINISH
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PEREZ MAKES BLISTERING START

FORM PLEASES WESTWOOD

Lee Westwood is confident another European Tour victory is not far away - and is happy just to be in contention until then.

The Ryder Cup star has not won a tournament in more than 14 months, but there have been a succession of near misses and he is again in the hunt after the first round of the Qatar Masters on Thursday.

After joining Mark James as the second most prolific English winner in European Tour history with wins at the Andalucian Open and British Masters in 2007, last year Westwood produced a consistent but winless season, recording 13 top-10 finishes, including four runners-up spots and a third place at the US Open.

And after carding an opening-round five-under-par 67 at Doha Golf Club yesterday to sit in a group of five only one shot adrift of leaders Henrik Stenson, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Andrew Coltart, the 18-time European Tour winner is right where he likes to be.

"I was in contention every week I teed it up so that gives me confidence to take out on the first tee in every tournament," the 35-year-old said.

"I'd like to win as soon as possible, but I'm not putting pressure on myself. I played great last year and it seems like I've come out and carried on with the same vein of form this year.

"I felt unlucky a few times not to win tournaments; sometimes the luck doesn't go your way, you don't get the breaks, you don't get the up and down on the green and that can be the difference between winning and losing."

The now-slimmer Westwood opted to use his Christmas break after finishing third at the South African Open to concentrate on gym work to boost his strength and flexibility rather than spend time at the driving range.

That, coupled with the fact he was using a brand new set of clubs for the first time in a competitive round, bodes well for his chances of coming out on top this weekend ahead of the all-star field again assembled in Doha.

"I've been practising with them (the clubs) a little bit as far back as August last year, hitting a few balls and getting the feel. But there's no substitute for actually playing a competitive round," he added. "So that was my first competitive round and I'm quite pleased."

Westwood's first round did not catch fire until two late birdies saw him reach the turn in two under after missing four solid birdie chances over his opening six holes.

Three birdies in four holes in the middle of the front nine moved him up the leaderboard before he secured his place only a shot off the pace by saving par at the last following a wayward tee shot, which left him partially unsighted as he clubbed around a bush.

"I have not practised over Christmas, maybe three or four weeks off," he said. "I didn't really know what to expect but I was doing a lot of gym work and that keeps me from going rusty, which I used to when I took time off."


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POULTER CLOSING IN ON COMEBACK

Ian Poulter is to wait another two weeks before making his comeback from eye surgery.

The Open runner-up and Ryder Cup star will return at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia, on February 19-22 before flying to Arizona for the Accenture world match play championship starting the following Wednesday.

Poulter missed the events in Abu Dhabi and Qatar after being advised to have the corrective surgery.

"I have been having a problem with my vision in poor light and my doctors advised me that I should have this surgery as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration," he said. "I am relieved that the problem can be corrected."

The successful surgery was carried out last week.


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POULTER RUES POOR START

OLAZABAL WANTS RYDER CAPTAINCY

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy next year, even though all the signs now point to him having to wait until 2012 and Colin Montgomerie taking charge at Celtic Manor.

"He is available. If he is offered the job he will say 'Yes'," the Spaniard's manager, Sergio Gomez, said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Europe's tournament committee will decide the issue in Dubai next Wednesday.

Their discussions began in earnest in Abu Dhabi last week and it was only afterwards that Montgomerie, a member of the committee, emerged as favourite for the first match on Welsh soil.

He had previously indicated he wanted to play again next year and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 for the captaincy.

But he would be 51 then and the mood now appears to be to go for a younger man.

Nick Faldo was 51 last September, while Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, both of whom expressed an interest in the role at Celtic Manor, would be 52.

Olazabal, three years younger than Montgomerie at 42, served as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla but said afterwards that he too wanted to fight for a place on the side next time rather than be captain.

He has played only two events since last May, however, because of continuing problems with rheumatism.

The double Masters champion pulled out of this week's event in Qatar but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely that he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact that it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered.

Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the course how he wanted and used the crowd as "our 13th man".

The 2012 match is at Medinah in Chicago.


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OLAZABAL OUT OF QATAR
Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup

Jose Maria Olazabal has put himself forward as a candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy next year, even though all the signs now point to him having to wait until 2012 and Colin Montgomerie taking charge at Celtic Manor.

"He is available. If he is offered the job he will say 'Yes'," the Spaniard's manager, Sergio Gomez, said.

"We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favouring Jose Maria and factors favouring Monty."

Europe's tournament committee will decide the issue in Dubai next Wednesday.

Their discussions began in earnest in Abu Dhabi last week and it was only afterwards that Montgomerie, a member of the committee, emerged as favourite for the first match on Welsh soil.

He had previously indicated he wanted to play again next year and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 for the captaincy.

But he would be 51 then and the mood now appears to be to go for a younger man.

Nick Faldo was 51 last September, while Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, both of whom expressed an interest in the role at Celtic Manor, would be 52.

Olazabal, three years younger than Montgomerie at 42, served as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla but said afterwards that he too wanted to fight for a place on the side next time rather than be captain.

He has played only two events since last May, however, because of continuing problems with rheumatism.

The double Masters champion pulled out of this week's event in Qatar but does plan to play the Dubai Desert Classic starting next Thursday.

"He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe and he told me yesterday to confirm the flights," added Gomez.

"But the chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected, so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered."

Apart from being the older of the two, Montgomerie has been heckled in the United States in the past and it was always more likely that he would be asked to lead Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Olazabal has had no such difficulties with American fans in his career, the invasion of the 17th green in Boston in 1999 having nothing to do with the fact that it was him playing Justin Leonard.

He behaved diplomatically then while still conveying how wrong the premature celebrating was and is regarded as a safe pair of hands.

There are disadvantages to being an away captain, though, as Faldo discovered.

Opposite number Paul Azinger could set up the course how he wanted and used the crowd as "our 13th man".

The 2012 match is at Medinah in Chicago.


MONTY IN CAPTAINCY FRAME
OLAZABAL WANTS RYDER CAPTAINCY
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COLTART KEEN TO GET BACK ON TRACK

A revitalised Andrew Coltart is back where he wants to be and chasing a second Qatar Masters title after taking a share of the first-round lead alongside Ryder Cup duo Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Last year Coltart was without a tour card and only competed in Doha thanks to winning the inaugural event back in 1998, and trudged off the final green after missing a putt which would have earned him a guaranteed trip to Dubai the following week.

An invite to Dubai and a host of other events did ultimately follow, but this year he is guaranteed around 25 tournaments - eight more than the number of invites he had to scramble for last year - after finishing 14th at the qualifying school in November.

And after a solid performance at the South African Open before Christmas, Coltart joined Stenson and Jimenez in carding opening rounds of 66, six under par, to open up a one-shot lead over Lee Westwood, Robert Dinwiddie, Anders Hansen, Brett Rumford and Louis Oosthuizen.

"My career wasn't really going anywhere expect down," admitted Coltart, 38, a member of the 1999 Ryder Cup team.

"I was on the career money list and not achieving anything out of that category and ended up losing my card last year and had to go back to Tour school.

"I went back and things went pretty well. I was working hard with Colin Brooks back in Edinburgh and I was quite confident going into Tour school and played well and achieved something."

After starting on the back nine at the familiar Doha Golf Club, Coltart reached the turn in four under, courtesy mainly of an eagle two after driving the 16th green.

And despite dropping his only shot at the sixth after three putts, three further birdies kept the Scot in the hunt.

"Losing the card and doing the media work really hit home this is where I still want to be while I'm still strong enough and fit enough to compete. I want to be out here and I hope to stay here for several more years," he added.

"Since I got my card back there is self worth in that. When you're just hanging on, with an iffy category, it wasn't nice asking for invites but I was very fortunate with the invites I received."

Dubai-based Stenson, the 2006 Qatar champion who finished runner-up last year, missed the cut in Abu Dhabi last week but more hard work on the driving range paid off.

"I had a good session on the range in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and that's about it," said the world number 11.

"I've been working away on the swing and that was the problem in Abu Dhabi. I've been struggling with my tee balls for quite some time but got it a bit more under control, and even had the driver out on a few occasions.

"You are always only a couple of shots away from a good score and you can quickly turn it around over a week or so.

"I wouldn't say I'm shocked with how I played but I am happy to start the tournament the way I did."


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