Montgomerie in contention after 64

Colin Montgomerie battled his way back into contention for the British Open with a superb seven-under-par 64 Friday, 10 shots better than his first round.

The 39-year-old Scot, still seeking his first major win, was off to a flier with a birdie at the first hole and two more, along with an eagle three thanks to a 25-foot putt at the long fifth, gave him an outward 31.

He rammed home another birdie courtesy of a 15-footer at the 15th, his fourth of the day, before a five-footer for three at the last completed his stunning round.

It left Montgomerie at four under par for the tournament, two shots off the early second round lead held by Irishman Des Smyth.

"That's given me a chance," Montgomerie said. "After yesterday's 74 at least I didn't have the chance to dwell on what happened -- or read a newspaper this morning.

"I just went back to my hotel room and had a big think about things.

"The secret today was just not dropping a shot. Today I never missed a green on the wrong side where I couldn't recover from.

"There was one person who I wanted to prove that I could do it. I had to prove it to myself. It shows that I can play a bit."

Before the tournament Montgomerie said that if he and Tiger Woods both played their best the world number one would win, but he now feels he is ideally placed to mount a challenge.

"I'm exactly where I wanted to be. I have a chance over the weekend. I'll use my driver but only when I need it. You can't play this course too aggressively, though. I won't lose it that way."

Montgomerie's seven-under-par score matched his first round effort at Lytham last year, and gave him the early clubhouse lead as well as a course record for the newly-lengthened Muirfield.

"Halfway round I was just hoping to be here for the weekend," Montgomerie added. "But the crowd's reaction said a lot to me. They were right behind me which is super and hopefully I can move forward from here.

"I started at Lytham with a 65 last year and then deteriorated. I hope I can build on it this time. The expectations on me are high in Scotland."

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