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Montgomerie bullish on Europe's chances
IF early points were being handed out to the respective captains at this week's Ryder Cup, Europe's Colin Montgomerie would have established a clear advantage over his American counterpart Corey Pavin.
While Pavin has been reluctant to divulge much detail about how United States' preparations have gone so far at Celtic Manor, Montgomerie has been bullish about his own team's build-up.
On the first day of official practice, Montgomerie extolled the virtues of his entire 12-man lineup while also giving a clear indication of some of his pairings for the opening fourball matches on Friday.
Montgomerie also clarified Europe's policy on Tweeting, saying posts on the social networking website would be allowed if they respected what went on in the team room. The US have not relaxed its own ban. "Tweeting has not been banned," Montgomerie said. "Whatever they do (in the posts), whatever they are, respect is shown for what is said within the team room.
"That's what I have banned. They can do whatever they have to do elsewhere regarding their thoughts."
Europe has been billed as favorites for the 38th Ryder Cup, despite having lost the 2008 edition at Valhalla where the Americans triumphed by 16-1/2 points to 11-1/2.
Before that, Europe won the three previous matches and this week it will enjoy all the benefits of competing on a home course with partisan fans cheering it on shot by shot.
The strength in depth of the European team was sharply highlighted by the quality of players who failed to make Montgomerie's team. World No. 7 Paul Casey and fellow Briton Justin Rose, a double winner on the PGA Tour this season, are among the notable absentees.
"We had an embarrassment of riches on this occasion and Justin Rose and Paul Casey are (among) those world stars who have been left out," Montgomerie said. "But at the same time, we are all unanimous in our decision that we have the strongest 12 players here in Europe."
Although the Americans performed superbly in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2008 to end a run of three successive defeats by Europe, they accept Europe will be favorites at Celtic Manor.
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