Not for the first time at the Ryder Cup Colin Montgomerie has expressed surprise at a decision by his opposite number Corey Pavin.

And the latest one - to leave Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson out of the first seven singles with his side three points behind - might well cost America the match. Europe go into the unprecedented extra day 9 1/2-6 1/2 ahead after arguably their most dominant session ever on Sunday, when they dropped just one half point in six games.

"I'm trying to be as diplomatic as possible throughout this week and I continue to be that way," said Montgomerie. "(But) it does surprise me that match eight and match 10 contain one and two in the world."

After Sunday, the United States need five of the 12 singles to regain the trophy and, as happened at The Belfry in 2002, Woods could be out on the Celtic Manor course when the celebrations start.

Likewise Mickelson, who lost the world number two spot to Lee Westwood today and must be itching to do something that matters after being beaten in his first three games.

Nick Faldo was also hammered for his line-up in Louisville two years ago when the last three were man-of-the-match Ian Poulter, most experienced player Westwood and Padraig Harrington, winner of the previous two majors.

However Montgomerie continued: "But at the same time, it is a very, very strong American line-up and this job has not been done yet.

"There's another 12 matches to go tomorrow (Monday). It's an enormous day."