World Cup - Six to watch

Warren (L) and Montgomerie celebrate their win in 2007

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Colin Montgomerie returns to Mission Hills in China where Scotland defend their World Cup of Golf title this weekend.

The 45-year-old looked in decent shape for two days during last week's Hong Kong Open where he opened with rounds of 68 and 65 en-route to posting a top-20 finish.

After 54 years of disappointment, Scotland finally got their hands on the prestigious trophy 12 months ago when they fended off the United States in a play-off.

Over the previous half-century Scotland had finished second a remarkable six times but shrugged off the tag of bridesmaid to claim the $1.6m first prize.

This time around, however, Monty will be partnered by Alistair Forsyth and not Marc Warren his successful team-mate from 2007.

The 28 two-man team event returns to the five-year old course co-designed by Jose Maria Olazabal.

The tree-lined venue is full of gentle slopes, dense vegetation and bunkers although there is little in the way water hazards.

And the views over the surrounding Shenzhen countryside are outstanding with the course situated just 20 minutes from Hong Kong.

As for those teeing it up this week:

Denmark: Close friends Soren and Anders Hansen will be hoping to improve on last year's 10th place finish.

England: Ian Poulter teams-up with in-form Ross Fisher for an England side that will start as one of the favourites.

Germany: The two-time winners have a solid partnership in Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka. Germany, champions in 2006, have posted five straight top-eight finishes in the event.

India: Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa represent Asia's best hope this week. Singh is now ranked inside the world's top 50 while Randhawa usually plays his best golf on his home continent.

Sweden: Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson make up a powerful duet. The two highest-ranked players teeing-up this week make Sweden - on paper - the pre-tournament favourites.

United States: The most prolific nation in World Cup history has not won the trophy for eight years - their longest wait ever. However, they must not be discounted and in Ben Curtis and Brandt Snedeker have put together a pairing more than capable of lifting the title for a 24th time.