Colin Montgomerie vows to make life hell for French Open leader

Jun 29 2008 By Callum Robb

COLIN MONTGOMERIE last night cranked up the heat on rookie Pablo Larrazabal and challenged him to hold on to his French Open lead.

Nothing has fazed the Barcelona boy so far but after moving three shots off the pace in Paris, Monty insisted he and the chasing pack will try to make his life hell today.

Larrazabal, a 25-year-old qualifier, is three clear of Monty and Dane Soren Hansen on 11-under 202 after a superb 67.

And a third Ryder Cup star in the shape of Lee Westwood is also hunting down the world No.481 after shooting 69 for 206.

Monty, who reached 10 under before dropping shots on the 15th and 16th, recalled the stress he suffered in attempting to win his first big title way back in 1989. He said: "The guy who is leading has never led a field of this quality and myself and Westwood are just behind.

"Hansen is also there and we are all Tour winners so it's game on tomorrow.

"He doesn't seem to be daunted and to birdie 17 was impressive.

"But I remember when I was chasing my first win. I was four ahead and okay but it still has to be done.

"I shot a 63 course record and won by 11 but I don't want him doing that."

Westwood said: "Larrazabal has done well and looks a good player. It's never easy when you have the lead overnight so well done to him.

"Now he has another night thinking about it."

After a dreadful season Monty feels he's almost back to his best and was happy with his 27 putts.

He said: "I holed out better and holed good putts for birdies at nine, 10 and 14. And to hole a 10-footer for par at the last was good.

"But I drove poorly and don't know what happened. I was leading the stats on fairways hit and greens in regulation and I'd sort of fallen off the map there but it was good to finish with two fours after the bogeys.

"It's nice to have the juices flowing again. There are Ryder Cup points involved and I have to prove I can win again.

"I won this event in 2000 and was third here last year and have a good chance."

Last year Monty followed his French success by lifting the European Open in Ireland and defends that title in Kent next week. Are you watching Nick Faldo?

LEADING SCORES

202 - P Larrazabal (Spa) 67.

205 - C Montgomerie 68, S Hansen (Den) 67.

206 - D Lynn 71, L Westwood 69.

207 - M Brier (Aut) 66.

208 - O Fisher 69.

209 - G McDowell 67.

Other Scots: 214 - P Lawrie 70.

217 - A Coltart 73.