THERE wasn't much excitement at the 18th hole of the Oxfordshire Golf Club as tournament favourite Colin Montgomerie duly collected the £133,000 prize for winning the Benson and Hedges International Open.

But it was a great personal triumph for Monty, who has led the field going into the last round three times in the last four years only to be denied victory.

This time he had little trouble seeing off a half-hearted challenge from Argentina's Angel Cabrera and coasted up to the 18th to win by three clear shots.

The much-anticipated clash with US Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal failed to materialise as the Spaniard floundered on the last day to finish 16th, while other early contenders faded from the limelight.

Phil Price and Miguel Angel Jimenez were on seven-under-par 65 on the first day but, by the end of the tournament, Jimenez was hanging onto fourth spot at 11 under, while Price shot a 74 to finish 20th. Last year's champion Darren Clarke was also joint 20th.

Jimenez hit two bogeys on the last day but recovered well with an eagle on the seventh and four birdies. That left him four under par, but he was made to pay for two earlier rounds of 72. He said: "I didn't play very well in the last two rounds. I didn't putt well and that has cost me. But I feel very good to be sure of my place in the Ryder Cup."

It has been a long time coming for Monty who finished 11th in the US Masters recently and needed this win to boost his confidence.

It was only his second European tour event of the season and consistency was the secret over the four days. He scored 68 in round one, 66 in round two, 72 in round three and wrapped things up with a 68 that saw him hit four birdies and in bogey-free round.

Carera was disappointed not to finish closer to Montgomerie and said: "When I stood on the 18th I knew I had to make it in three. I just pushed my second shot wide. But no worries, it has been a great week. This is the best I have played, hopefully I can continue to play like this."

While Monty was celebrating, a relatively unknown golfer had two reasons to be happy. Evesham's Jeremy Robinson smashed the Oxfordshire course record of 65 and went one better, going around in 64.

The early starter only came into the tournament on Thursday lunchtime as first reserve when Alex Cejka pulled out. But he showed amazing form to finish ten under par, sixth overall. Afterwards he said: "This is probably as good a round as I have ever had."

He didn't hang around to celebrate as he had to rush off to his young son Tom's christening - hoping he wouldn't be required to feature in any play-off!

Story date: Monday 17 May

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