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USA hiding Woods - Montgomerie

Tiger Woods will partner Steve Stricker in Friday's fourballs © Getty Images

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Colin Montgomie believes US captain Corey Pavin is 'hiding' Tiger Woods after the world No. 1 was named in the third group for Friday morning's fourball competition.

Woods looked visibly nervous when he was unveiled in Thursday afternoon's opening ceremony, but the smile returned to his face when he was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd at Celtic Manor.

Pavin selected Woods to play alongside Steve Stricker in the third pairing, where they will take on English pair Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher. With Pavin naming Phil Mickelson to lead out the USA team in the first group and the rookie pairing of Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton in the final group, Montgomerie believes Woods has been protected.

"I was expecting Tiger to go first or fourth," Montgomerie said. "I think Tiger being hidden is a different move, but as we all know every point is important wherever it might be.

"Whether Tiger asked for that, I don't know. I don't know what Corey said beforehand, but obviously he has spoken to Tiger and Tiger was happy where he is. I am sure there is no one in that morning fourballs for the US team who is uncomfortable with where they are playing, so obviously it was a decision made between Corey and Tiger."

The European captain revealed Poulter, the hero of the losing European team at Valhalla two years ago, was delighted to be pitted against the world No. 1.

"Ian Poulter left the stage anxious to get going already, he can't wait for 8.15, and anybody that plays Tiger Woods in our team can't wait to get going," Montgomerie said.

"He's the one name that spring to mind, the one man you look for in that team environment, so Ross Fisher and Ian will look forward to that. It's a very difficult game, mind you - Tiger and Steve are probably the two best putters on the US team and in matchplay if you putt well you are very difficult team to beat."

"I've never been so excited to play a Ryder Cup match," Poulter said on his Twitter page. "Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker v Poults and Fish. The house is about to come down!"

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