Life's no breeze for Monty

Colin Montgomerie hopes he is on his way back to the top, and is determined to appreciate it much more the second time around.

Montgomerie faces Stewart Cink today in the Accenture Matchplay Championship after his first-round victory over Nick Price.

The Scot came back from two down with three to play to beat Price at the second extra hole at La Costa, boosting his chances of climbing back into the top 50 in the world rankings.

The former world No2 began the week in 57th place in the standings, outside the all-important top 50 which guarantees entry into major championships.

'You don't appreciate anything until you don't have it anymore,' said Montgomerie. 'It was easy, I turned up, won, finished second or third and went home again. Now it's a grind, it's hard work.

'If I win another Order of Merit, it will be worth more than all seven put together.'

Darren Clarke faces Alex Cejka in the second round after beating Eduardo Romero on the 25th hole.

Padraig Harrington saw off Toshi Izawa to set up a clash with Bob Estes, while Ian Poulter takes on Duffy Waldorf after his victory over Chris Riley.

Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Brian Davis and Phil Price all lost.

Tiger Woods scraped through to the second round with a last-hole victory over John Rollins.