Scots pair won't have to qualify for World Cup

COLIN Montgomerie and Alastair Forsyth have been spared from qualifying for November's World Cup in China after Scotland were named as one of the 18 exempt nations.

Monty partnered Marc Warren to a play-off victory over the US in last year's event at Mission Hills but there were fears the defending champions would have to pre-qualify due to their position on the rankings. The Scottish side, made of the two highest players on the world rankings, had been sitting outside the exempt zone but Fiji and Canadahave not taken up automatic entry and that has moved Montgomerie and Forsyth up the ladder. Monty said: "I'm really looking forward to being part of the team to defend the World Cup title. Alastair will be a great partner and I really hope we can enjoy the success that Marc and I enjoyed last year."

England will be represented by Ross Fisher and Open runner-up Ian Poulter while Graeme McDowell will team up with Paul McGinley for Ireland. Wales, World Cup winners in 2005, will be led by Bradley Dredge and Richard Johnson.