Big names chase Pelle Edberg - Smurfit Kappa European Open 2007

Eight-times European number one Colin Montgomerie shot the joint-best round of the week, a six-under 64, to finish one stroke off the pace alongside Swede Niclas Fasth who shrugged off a bad cold to fire a 68.

Edberg fashioned his five-under 65 on a windy morning at the K Club to move to eight-under 132 while Montgomerie and Fasth had to endure heavy showers in the afternoon.

Montgomerie's switch this week to a belly-putter earned rich rewards. He said the last time he had played as well was in 1999 when he won his seventh successive order of merit.

After an early three-putt left him worrying more about making the cut than winning for the first time in 19 months, the Scot's belly-putter helped secure seven birdies.

"The belly-putter seems to be holing out better," Montgomerie told reporters.

"Everyone said how well I putted at the Ryder Cup in 2002 at the Belfry with that and I'm trying to go back to that kind of stroke."

Fasth has more than the $800,000 first prize to gain if he can emulate his BMW International Open victory in Munich two weeks ago, with a top-20 world ranking, second place on the order of merit and a ticket to the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on offer.

"I've got a fever and stuff so I'm not feeling my most energetic," said the former Ryder Cup player.

"I'll try and rest and with a bit of luck I'll feel better tomorrow. I'm going to give it a good go this weekend."

U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera trailed Edberg by eight shots after a 69 but the Argentine did not rule out a victory charge.

"We have 36 holes to come and anything can happen," said the 38-year-old.

Edberg is in unfamiliar territory and has adjusted his sights.

"I've never been in this position but I stayed pretty calm when I saw my name on the top of the leaderboard," he said.

"I've been thinking if I can have a good week I can secure my tour card but now I'm hoping I can keep playing like today and do much better."