• PGA Tour

Monty tells Westwood to beware Tiger backlash

ESPN staff
October 12, 2010
Colin Montgomerie captained Europe to a Ryder Cup triumph © Getty Images
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Colin Montgomerie has fired a warning to Lee Westwood by claiming that Tiger Woods will "come out fighting" after he surrenders the world No. 1 spot.

If Woods does not compete before the end of the month - at present he is not scheduled to do so - Westwood will end the American's 278-week unbroken run at the top of the world rankings, provided Martin Kaymer does not beat him to the top when he competes at the Andalucia Masters.

Woods' grip on the No. 1 spot has been gradually loosening ever since he made his comeback in April following a self-imposed five-month hiatus. The 34-year-old has struggled to recapture his best form and is still looking for a first tournament win of 2010.

Nonetheless, Montgomerie is backing Woods - who contributed three points to America's total at the Ryder Cup - to bounce back in style when he returns to action in November. "Knowing Tiger as I do he will go out and win the HSBC Champions event," Montgomerie said. "He will not like to be No. 2 at anything and he will come out fighting.

"The only thing Lee can do is come over for the HSBC Champions and win. He is playing as well as anyone in the world of golf right now and he will be as anxious to win in Shanghai as Tiger will."

Meanwhile, victorious Ryder Cup captain Montgomerie has insisted that European players are currently dominating the golfing landscape. "We have had a fantastic year in Europe. Three European Tour members have won major championships and we won the Ryder Cup. There is a dominance and there is a changing of the guard over to Europe."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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