Hansen & Montgomerie tie for lead

Soren Hansen of Denmark tied the course record with a 10-under-par 62 Saturday and shared the third-round lead with Colin Montgomerie at the inaugural Nordic Open.

Montgomerie shot a 64 at Simon's Golf Club, one of the easiest courses on the European Tour. The Scotsman was playing his first tournament since pulling out of the British Open last month with a hand injury after seven holes.

Hansen had 10 birdies in matching the course record set by France's Raphael Jacquelin on Thursday. Hansen and Montgomerie were at 17-under 199 entering the fourth round.

"I felt confident from the start of the week because it's my home course and I know every bump," Hansen said. "Playing with Colin the first two days was the best thing that could have happened. It got me relaxed."

France's Gregory Havret, the second-round leader, was at 200 with Englishmen Ian Poulter and David Gilford. England's Brian Davis and Sweden's Patrik Sjoland were another shot behind.

A big gallery followed Hansen.

"I was cheered on every single hole," he said. "It's really important for the tournament that a Danish player is up there for the last nine holes on Sunday and hopefully I won't be the only one."

Montgomerie, once Europe's No. 1 player, could have had a better round if he hadn't three-putted the 12th hole for the second straight day.

"I've three-putted the 12th from 20 feet which is crazy," he said. "You're putting for eagle and walk off with a par. But it's nice to come back after three weeks off and find a bit of form."

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