Just when another agonising defeat seemed on the cards - the pair lost to Germany in a play-off in Barbados last year - Warren came of age, holing a number of clutch putts to deny the US pair of Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum.

The Americans bogeyed the third play-off hole - down the picturesque 18th hole of the Olazabal course - handing the US$1.6 million first prize to the Scots.

Montgomerie and Warren finished yesterday's foursomes (alternate shot) with a six-under 66 for a total of 25 under. France (Gregory Havret and Raphael Jacquelin) were a shot back in third, with England (Justin Rose and Ian Poulter) another shot back at 23 under.

Montgomerie, 43, the petulant but passionate Scot, said it was 'fantastic' to win the cup after being the bridesmaid six times.

'When there's a title with the word 'world' in it, it means something very special,' Montgomerie said. 'It's delightful we came through to win and disappointing for our football team to lose out the way they did last week. It's nice our golfers can do something a bit special. We are very proud.'

Montgomerie paid a glowing tribute to Warren, saying: 'I was lucky to have someone who has the word 'potential' written all over him as a partner. I look forward to seeing Marc Warren in many of these ceremonies in years to come.'

Warren holed a 25-foot putt on the first play-off hole that kept the Scots in the hunt.

'I hit a terrible drive and a terrible bunker shot. We were out,' Monty said. 'My play-off record is awful - I think I've lost nine and won only three.'

Warren, 26, said it was an honour to play with Montgomerie, who has won the European Tour order of merit eight times.

'He's a great player and a great person. He had a few words of encouragement in my ear when I needed it,' said Warren, a two-time winner on the European Tour.

'I knew it was important to hole that putt. It was the be-all and end-all right there. Thoughts of Barbados went through my mind and fortunately for the both of us the putt went in.'

Weekley said he hoped they would be chosen again next year.

'I know we will feel disappointed but it has been a great week. It was nerve-racking,' Weekley said. 'I hope the US would love to have me and Heath represent it again.'

Slocum said: 'I'll be honest, my partner played unbelievable. I was just trying to cut him a shot here or there. We just fell short.'

England's Rose said they would like to come back.

'If we get the opportunity, we'd like to take it,' said the European Tour order of merit winner.

'The whole week was close but no cigar. We felt like we played well, we just didn't get it going at any stage.'