Abby Brammell

By DEREK LAWRENSON Golf Correspondent

Up for grabs: Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin (R) hold the Ryder Cup trophy on Thursday


Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie believes Europe are already one-up after his opposite number Corey Pavin made an incredible gaffe at the opening ceremony.

When reading out the names of his team, Pavin forgot to mention last year's Open champion Stewart Cink until it was pointed out to him as he made his way back to his seat.

It was all food and drink to Monty, who places great store in the impression the two captains make at their big showpiece on the eve of the contest.

'I remember coming away from Sam Torrance's brilliant speech at the opening ceremony in 2002 feeling Europe were one up, and again in 2004 with Bernhard Langer, and I hope my team feel that way now,' said Monty. 'It certainly felt very similar to me.'
On both those occasions, Europe came flying out of the blocks the next morning and went on to win by large margins.

Monty has been buoyed by a text message sent to him by Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and no wonder, since he clearly shares the latter's fondness for mind games.

'He pointed out to me that we're both Scots, we're both very competitive, and he wished the team well,' said Monty. 'It meant a lot.'

Tiger Woods covered his eyes with his hand as Pavin tried to recover his composure after a gaffe that rivalled Hal Sutton's effort in 2004, when he managed to forget how many kids he had.


Oh dear: Tiger Woods reacts after captain Corey Pavin forgets to announce former Open champion Stewart Cink (R) in the USA team


But Pavin did come up with a good self-deprecatory line afterwards. 'I only screwed up once - and I only forgot one player. It might have been two,' he said.
Nevertheless, Monty wiped the floor with his US counterpart.

While one delivered his speech in a flat monotone, Monty was passion personified. He didn't need to say it was the proudest moment of his career - everyone could see it in his eyes.

The first pairings didn't bring the match-up Woods wanted against Rory McIlroy but he will play English pair Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter instead in a game that will electrify the 40,000 sell-out crowd.

Poulter could hardly contain his excitement.


Fired up: Ian Poulter cannot wait to get started at Celtic Manor


'It's going to be noisy and it needs to be,' he said.

'It's up to me and Ross to give the crowd what they want.'

Lee Westwood will lead off for Europe with Martin Kaymer after pursuading the captain to go against his hunch of handing the task to McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
'The first match is always going to be difficult but we are quietly confident,' said Westwood.


source :dailymail