On the eve of announcing he would be taking up his US Tour card in 1998, Colin Montgomerie was declared European number one for a record fifth successive year when the final round of the Volvo Masters was washed out in Jerez yesterday. Although the Scot finished eighth, seven shots behind new champion Lee West wood, he ended three shots ahead of his closest challengers in the Volvo ranking, Bernhard Langer and Darren Clarke.

Both were deprived of their chance of victory, as was Padraig Harrington, who was declared runner-up to England's Westwood, after a series of violent electrical storms battered the Montecastillo course. Less than three hours play was possible, in three sessions, before officials abandoned their efforts to keep play moving, and their intention of pursuing the second option of a Monday finish.

Their hand was forced by Sam Torrance, who refused to go back onto the course, saying that it was too dangerous. He said that he had been almost struck by lightning.

When South African Retief Goosen, who has been a victim of lightning twice in his career, made known his disquiet, and others signalled their intention to withdraw, Tournament director John Paramor and Volvo executive Mel Pyatt were left with no option but to declare the result over 54 holes.

Westwood collected £166,000 for his 16-under-par total of 200, and ended in third place in the Volvo ranking behind Montgom erie, who topped it, as he has done every year since 1993, with £798,947.

"It's very, very satisfying," said the 34-year-old Scot, who is fully expected to confirm today that he is switching his main focus to the US Tour next season.

"If you are number one, whether it's in golf or in an office, the competition is increasing all the time. It certainly is out here and I've had to improve all aspects of my game. If I had stood still, I would have been overtaken. That makes this the most satisfying of all my five Order of Merits.

"I have an incredible desire and ambition to succeed, and that has kept me going throughout my 10 years as a pro."

Montgomerie then turned his attention west. "I don't feel I have anything left to prove in Europe," he said. "I would like to win in America, whether it's a major or just one of the regular tournaments. That's a real goal."

Westwood (24), from Worksop, recording his first win in Europe, said: "I think it's more nervewracking sitting around than playing.

"I had seen the forecast was bad, but I never thought we wouldn't play. I was confident I could hold onto the three-shot lead, but it was nice not to have to. A win is a win.

"The year felt a little bit empty not winning in Europe, but I've done it now and to finish third is an extra bonus. And I want to finish higher next year."

Harrington, who had a blistering finish of eagle-birdie-birdie on Saturday for a 67 and a 13-underpar 203, won a career-best cheque of £110,000 and took eighth place in the order of merit with a total of £388,982, which included an extra £24,000 from the bonus pool.

Clarke was Ireland's top man in 1997, however, in fourth place with £537,409, although he tied 15th in this event which he had to win to have a chance of ending Montgomerie's reign.

Harrington had mixed feelings about his success. "I have made all the goals I set myself in 1997," he said. "I have not only made the top 15, I have got into the top 10 for the first time, received my biggest ever cheque, and finished second in the tournament.

"But I wanted to play, even though there was only a slim chance of winning. The upside was so great that I was facing the biggest opportunity of my life. Not only could I have won the tournament and got a five-year exemption on the Tour, but it might also have got me into the US Masters.

"I did very well, but maybe I would have got more. I would have been prepared to gamble all the prize money I eventually got, and the bonus as well, on that chance."

The Stackstown professional added: "I would like to think it has been a great year, but an ending like this has left it a bit tainted. I would give up the money if I could have had a couple of wins and a Ryder Cup place.

"I cannot remember a tournament where I swung the club well for four rounds. I have struggled all year. But now I have got to set new objectives for next season. One thing I know, I will play less, for sure."

Harrington gets married on December 6th, but before then he has two engagements in the US, first at the Sarazen World Open in Atlanta this week, then the World Cup at Kiawah Island.

Clarke took away £13,700 for his efforts this week, while Ronan Rafferty and Paul McGinley were each credited with 46th place on a one-over-par 217, worth £4,442.86. McGinley finished in 21st place in the Volvo Ranking with £220,278, while Rafferty was 60th with £110,314.