Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie have all scored first-round victories in the Accenture Match Play Championship.
Early successes as 32 matches take to Dove Mountain
Europe's contingent have made a strong start on day one of the Accenture Match Play Championship, with Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie among those making it through the first round in Manana, Arizona.
Harrington scored a four-and-three victory against American Jerry Kelly, the Open champion ultimately cruising through in confident style after scoring six birdies in the first 12 holes.
"I got the start I wanted [two up after four holes] and from there on I felt solid and kept moving forward," said Harrington, who is fighting his way back to fitness after recently suffering both 'flu and shingles.
"Jerry obviously had to go after the pins and was under more pressure in that sense.
"I don't believe I am quite on the top of my game. I'm not feeling as comfortable as I could when I'm on the course. I'm working hard for everything I'm getting. I'm still a little bit uncompetitive, a bit rusty (but) I'm happy with the form I showed today."
Playing in the day's opening match, Garcia took an early lead and was never seriously threatened by Australia's John Senden, the Spaniard taking a three-and-two win at Dove Mountain.
Two putters
Garcia used two putters during his round, using a short one for the first 14 holes, before the longer 'belly' putter came out the bag for the final two holes.
"I made a decision early on and went with (the short putter) for pretty much the whole round," he said.
"But then I started not feeling as comfortable, and hit a couple of not-very-good putts - so I decided to go the safe route on the last couple of holes."
Meanwhile, Montgomerie caused an upset - on paper at least - the Scot, who is seeded 59th for the World Golf Championships event, beating sixth seed Jim Furyk three and two.
Montgomerie made full use of the vast match play experience gained in, among other events, eight Ryder Cup appearances, to take the win and admitted: "I am very, very happy.
"Jim was a very tough opponent to draw, I believe he's one of the US's strongest match players.
"But I played particularly well today, well enough to win. I enjoyed seeing where my game is."
Montgomerie rated the 12th hole as crucial to his victory, saying: "He had just birdied the 11th hole to get back to one down, and then at the 12th I had a difficult chip and got up-and-down and he didn't.
"It's amazing how pivotal that was, to get back to two up."
The 44-year-old also recognised that experience played its part, Montgomerie adding: "I'm not saying Jim's not experienced - but I'm one of the elder statesmen.
"I've been playing in Ryder Cups for 17 years and there's no-one in this tournament that's played any more."
Nevertheless, Montgomerie has failed to advance past the third round of the event in seven attempts, and has lost in the first round three times.
The European challenge cancelled itself out as Paul Casey and Ian Poulter respectively beat Sweden's Robert Karlsson (two holes) and Denmark's Soren Hansen (two and one), while Bradley Dredge beat South African Rory Sabbatini (four and three).
And an all English clash was resolved in favour of Luke Donald when he beat Nick Dougherty two and one.
Rose out
However, Justin Rose went down two and one against Australian Rodney Pampling, while young German Martin Kaymer lost to American Boo Weekley by the same margin.
Order of Merit leader Lee Westwood beat Brant Snedeker three and two, while Niclas Fasth made the last 32 in comfortable style, the Swede thrashing Australian Richard Green six and five.
