Montgomerie fails to qualify for British Open

LONDON (AP)

Colin Montgomerie could miss the British Open for the first time in 22 years after finishing last in a qualifying event on Monday.

Montgomerie continued the poor form he showed at the Wales Open last week, shooting a combined 6-over 145 at the 36-hole event to finish 18 shots behind winner Graeme Storm at the Sunningdale Golf Club.

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Storm had rounds of 65 on the Old Course and 62 on the New Course to finish three strokes ahead of Alexander Noren of Sweden, who followed up his victory at the Wales Open by booking a spot at Royal St. George's.

French duo Gregory Bourdry and Thomas Levet was also among the 10 people who qualified, with 72 players completing both rounds.

Others who missed out included Soren Hansen of Denmark and Paul McGinley of Ireland.

Montgomerie slumped to 15 over and last place at the Wales Open, missing the cut on the Celtic Manor course where he captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in October.

It was his worst halfway score on the European Tour since compiling 17 over at the 1991 Benson and Hedges International in St. Meillon, England.

The Scot has played in 21 straight British Opens since making his debut in 1990. He could still qualify for this year's event by finishing in the top five at either the French or Scottish Opens, and there are also two spots available through a mini-money list on the European Tour which continues at this week's Italian Open.

''It's disappointing, so I'll go to Italy and try again,'' Montgomerie said. ''I will be trying everything, as always.''