General / Editor / 03 April 2007 /

Colin Montgomerie insists he is one of the leading contenders for this weekend's US Masters at Augusta, even though he admits it is now the hardest major for him to win.

Montgomerie is widely considered to be the best player never to win a major and would become the second-oldest player at 43 to win at Augusta - Jack Nickalus won his sixth Green Jacket at the age of 46 in 1986.

The Ryder Cup hero threw away the chance to win his first major with a double bogey at the final hole in the US Open last June but he firmly believes he is still capable of ending his losing streak and should be considered for glory this weekend.

'Monty' said: "When I sign entry forms for the majors I say 'Is this the signature that's going to win it?' I would not bother going to America unless I thought I could.

"I've been second in 2005 and 2006. It would be foolish not to put me on a list of contenders. There's no reason why it can't continue.

"And although I'd agree the Masters is the hardest one for me to win now that they've lengthened it so much I can still do it if I putt well.

"I see myself being in contention at least once this season and I hope one day that door will open.

"I feel in a very fortunate position in that I honestly feel there's a lot of improvement left. I've held the nerve firm throughout my career - that's not a problem - and I am fitter than I've ever been."

Montgomerie has never finished above eighth at Augusta and has failed to make the cut on his last three visits which has been reflected in the market. He is available at 300 in the winner market dominated by Tiger Woods (2.58), while he is on offer at 36 to finish in the top five and 10 to make the top 10.

The eight-time Order of Merit winner is trading at 17 to finish as the 'Top UK + Ireland' player, while he can be supported at 40 to finish as the top European.

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