Colin Montgomerie battles for 8th Merit title

Colin Montgomerie's hopes of winning a record eighth Order of Merit title have been boosted by Retief Goosen's withdrawal from the Volvo Masters.

Goosen's agent revealed that a recent groin injury had forced the South African to rethink his schedule and his next appearance will be in America.

Montgomerie's share of eighth place behind Raphael Jacquelin at the Madrid Open on Sunday earned him £15,465 and increased his advantage over Campbell at the top of the Order of Merit to £105,659. Chasing his first Order of Merit title since 1999, Montgomerie now knows that however he performs at the Volvo Masters, the US Open champion must finish in the top five at Valderrama to have a chance of becoming No 1.

The Scot can only be beaten if Campbell wins the Volvo Masters at Valderrama, while if the US Open winner comes second, Montgomerie would have to tie with him to regain the title.

If Campbell is third, fourth or fifth, Montgomerie's task is to finish eighth, 22nd or 54th respectively.

October 19, 2005

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