Monty braced for Asian challenge

Montgomerie is chasing his 42nd career title

Colin Montgomerie believes Europe's stars will be pushed all the way by Asia's top players at the Hong Kong Open starting Thursday.

European number one Montgomerie will face strong competition from holder Miguel Angel Jimenez and Ryder Cup duo Paul Casey and Thomas Bjorn.

And Korea's KJ Choi and Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant lead Asia's charge.

"It's certainly a lot more difficult to come over to Asia and win than it was a few years ago," said Montgomerie.

"There's been a dramatic increase in standards over the last 10 or 15 years."

The Scot secured his eighth Order of Merit in October and is chasing his 42nd career title in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Padraig Harrington, the 2003 champion, has withdrawn.

Harrington, who was beaten in a play-off by Jimenez last year, gave no reason for his decision to pull out.

"He entered last week and then he just informed the organisers that he was not coming," a tournament spokesman said.

India's Arjun Atwal, who had the best putting figures on this year's US Tour, has also withdrawn from the event.

The co-sanctioned Hong Kong Open is already the third stop on the 2006 European Tour, and the penultimate on this year's Asian Tour.