Play-off joy as Scots claim first victory

Colin Montgomerie lavished praise upon team-mate Marc Warren after the pair secured Scotland's first-ever World Cup victory at Mission Hills.

The Scots edged a thrilling play-off on the 18th hole of the Olazabal course against Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum of the United States, making par on the third extra hole to clinch the win.

Scotland were in the clubhouse at six under - a 25-under 263 for the tournament - before USA birdied the 18th to tie for the lead and force the play-off.

It had initially looked bad when Montgomerie teed off into a bunker on the first extra hole and Warren compounded to send his approach shot into another bunker close to the flag.

Montgomerie chipped out, but the ball fell short of the pin leaving Warren with a tricky task to putt from 10 feet.

However, the 26-year-old remained calm and collected to sink the crucial putt for par and force a second extra hole.

"What a putt he holed," said Montgomerie. "We were out, I had hit a terrible drive, a terrible bunker shot, and it is amazing what a good putt can do.

"From then on I thought we were favourites, going back to 18 again and we did very well. We are very proud of each other and I expect Marc to progress hugely in the world of golf."

France's Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret, who had forced themselves into contention with a fine second-round score, fell just short as they carded a five-under-par 67 and a 24-under 264 for the tournament to claim third place.

The Irish pair of Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin, who started the day in 15th place, fired a disappointing 78 to drop to 24th on seven-under-par 282.

Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, playing for the first time together at the World Cup, had kept England in contention throughout, but were unable to make a genuine challenge for the trophy on the final day.

Though Rose putted for an eagle on the ninth, two bogeys on the front nine proved damaging as they finished fourth, completing their round in five under for a 23-under-par 265 total.