COLIN Montgomerie won the Benson and Hedges International Open in commanding style here yesterday and put his success down to a three-week break from golf.

The Scotsman was in consistent form throughout the four days and took the title with a closing round of 68 for a 15-under-par total of 273.

When the tournament started on Thursday, it was the first time he had lifted a club in almost a month.

He said: "You do get stale as a pro and I didn't give myself the opportunity to do that. The time I took off was vital."

Monty certainly didn't look out of practice and Europe's No 1 said: "Over the four rounds this is as consistent as I have ever been. Today proved that I was focused enough to win. And it was nice to have the support of the British crowd."

Of The Oxfordshire course, where he has struggled in the past, he said: "I think that it is a great test of golf. We were fortunate that the weather held off and made it very playable."

Argentina's Angel Cabrera tried to keep the pressure on at the top and managed to get to within a shot of Montgomerie at one stage. However, he couldn't last the pace and a missed putt on the last meant he had to share second spot with Swede Per-Ulrik Johansson.

Meanwhile, a resurgent Nick Faldo finished seventh overall, shooting 69 on the last day.

After showing glimpses of his old mastery he said: "I am very pleased. It's a rebuilding process and that was productive.

"I am still fiddling a bit with my swing but I have got some good stuff to work on. It's nice to be back home with everybody rooting for me."

Story date: Monday 17 May

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