Colin Montgomerie returned his fifth successive score in the 60s today to contend strongly in the Austrian Open, just one stroke off the lead with a four-under-par 67.

Although Markus Brier edged in front of the 42-year-old, the eight-times European number one was confident that he was over the worst period of his career. Last week at the Wales Open he finished fourth after rounds of 63, 66, 69 and 67.
   
"My fifth score in the 60s in a row and I'm delighted," said Montgomerie after two stunning birdies to finish his two nines. "It was five scores in the late 70s a month ago and I had a very poor March, April and May but my confidence is flooding back now.

"And the way I finished off the round would not have happened a month ago, either."
   
To collect his fifth birdie at his last hole, the ninth, Montgomerie first gained a free drop from a flower-bed, but chipped close enough to ensure a four at the par-five.
   
"On the 18th, his ninth, he hit into the grandstand but then produced a stunning chip to two feet from the dropping zone on a bank.

Austria's Brier gave the home crowds plenty to cheer after holing his seven-iron tee shot at the 158-yard 11th to win a €16,000 Citroen.

That sparked his round into life and a five-under-par back nine lifted him into the lead on six under, one ahead of a group including Oliver Whiteley and Simon Dyson who carded 66s.

Dyson had four birdies on his front nine of 32 - spoiled only by a dropped shot at the 377-yard fifth - but he was blemish-free coming home and picked up further shots at the 15th and 16th.

Montgomerie is joined by Kerry's David Higgins while Gary Murphy enjoyed a round of 68 to be one shot further back on three under.

Stephen Browne was next of the Irish on one under, one ahead of Paul McGinley and Colm Moriaty, who had played seven holes. Michael Hoey was one over through 10 holes.