Monty sees Open hopes disappear

Colin Montgomerie thought his third-round four-over-par 74 was 'very average' as his hopes of success at Royal Birkdale disappeared.

The Scot, who started the day eight over after the opening two rounds, endured five bogeys while picking up a solitary birdie in his round to leave him 12 over in total and with no chance of landing his first major.

"I was three over after seven and you can't see a way of getting back," said Montgomerie. "Four over is very average, very average indeed."

The 45-year-old has 31 European Tour titles to his name but has never yet managed land a major and he refused to blame conditions for his plight at this year's Open.

Heavy rain and blustery wind had caused many of the players problems in the opening two rounds, leaving the ground soggy today.

However, Monty said: "The course was perfectly playable. It was just a very average score."