Europe landed the first psychological blow in the battle to reclaim the Ryder Cup on Thursday when team captain Colin Montgomerie outscored his US counterpart Corey Pavin on the course that will host next year's match.

Montgomerie's two-under-par 69 in the first round of the Wales Open left him three shots off the early pace at the Celtic Manor resort and was three shots better than Pavin — here on a reconnaissance mission — could manage.

The European skipper was also cheered by signs of a return to form by both Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn, who are expected to serve as vice-captains to Montgomerie next year but demonstrated they could yet play their way into the side.

Bjorn opened with a 66 to share the lead with England's Nick Dougherty, South African veteran David Frost, and Alan McLean. One shot behind are Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal, Dutch player Taco Remkes anmd Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay.

Ireland's McGinley bounced back from a triple bogey seven on his second hole to sign for a three-under 68.

"If I don't make the team I am happy to help, but if I do then I will obviously play," said 38-year-old Bjorn, whose last appearance in the transatlantic match was in Europe's 2002 victory at The Belfry.

McGinley was the match-winner that week and was also part of the victorious next two sides.

And after missing out on last year's defeat in the United States, he is desperate to get back in the team.

"I think Monty is going to be a great captain and I would love to play under him," he said. "Monty is going to announce who his vice-captains are going to be after qualifying finishes.

"I'm obviously in his mind somewhere in terms of those four people he's going to have, but I'm a lot more comfortable trying to make the team this year and whatever happens after that happens.

"That's when I'll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime it's gung-ho trying to make the team."

Pavin's round included a lost ball on the 15th and he admitted: "The course tests everything, but I just wasn't sharp."

Christian Cevaer, the Frenchman who won the European Open last week, only managed to complete 12 holes before quitting because of dizziness brought on by the exhausting aftermath of the biggest win of his career.

"I've hardly slept since Sunday due to a combination of my win and (management) problems off the course, which are causing me a lot of stress and turmoil," he said.

"I'm also suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and my head was floaty out there."

AFP

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