Montgomerie to lead Europe in 2010 Royal Trophy

[November 13, 2009]  BANGKOK (AP) -- Colin Montgomerie will captain Europe's team for next year's Royal Trophy match play tournament against Asia after Seve Ballesteros ruled himself out over lingering health concerns.

Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Montgomerie said in a statement Thursday: "Seve has invited me to captain Europe at the Royal Trophy and I am delighted to accept."

Ballesteros, who missed the 2009 event after undergoing surgery to treat a brain tumor, had said he hoped to captain the team when it plays at the Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand from Jan. 8-10.

He pulled out after saying he couldn't guarantee he'd be fully fit.

Asia won this year's Royal Trophy after losing to Europe in 2006 and 2007.

[Associated Press]

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