Tony Adamson reports for Radio 5 Live

But now, after a dramatic third round at the Volvo Masters in Spain, it is Westwood who holds the upper hand over the man who has reigned supreme for the last five years.

A 67 lifted the 25-year-old from Worksop into a share of the lead with Australian Peter O'Malley on the 11 under par total of 205.

Montgomerie, after a missed birdie putt at the 16th and a bogey at the 17th for a 69, is a stroke behind - and aware that if it stays like that Westwood will end his run - even if Westwood loses a play-off to O'Malley.

Darren Clarke, the other man in the race at the start of the week, is still in with an outside chance, lying as he does in joint fifth place three off the lead.

But he has to win and the other two have to fall down the field for his dream of topping the Order of Merit to become a reality.

"I'm just cruising along - not worrying about too much," Westwood said, whose closing 10-foot birdie putt was matched by Montgomerie minutes later as the battle for supremacy hotted up.

"It's been a dream since I started golf to be number one, but I know Monty's going to play well tomorrow because he does when the pressure is on.