Jose Maria Olazabal has edged ahead of Colin Montgomerie as the favourite to be named as Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup captain.

Olazabal’s betting graph reflects his interest in the 2010 job. His odds shortened considerably when his manager Sergio Gomez declared that his client would say yes if he were offered the job.

At least, that’s what the odds published by Betfair would indicate following the Spaniard’s decision to throw his name into the hat last week.Montgomerie’s odds tumbled like a stone following the Tournament Committee meeting in Abu Dhabi

Olazabal has come in from 1.75 to 1.52 with Betfair with Montgomerie drifting slightly from 1.60 to 1.62.

Welshman Ian Woosnam is the next best chance at 15.5 with Miguel Angel Jimenez 18.5 and former Masters and Open champion Sandy Lyle at 21.

Ryder Cup team mates Padraig Harrington and Jose Maria Olazábal will remain ‘amigos’ despite Sunday’s Seve Trophy bust up.