Golf: Break for rain blow to Campbell

VERSAILLES - Michael Campbell set up a head-to-head duel with Colin Montgomerie for the French Open golf title, finishing one stroke behind the Scot after the event's third round yesterday.

Montgomerie, the best player on the European Tour over the past five seasons, stormed his way towards a first win in more than six months. He shot his best round of the season, a seven-under 65, to move to 12 under (71, 68, 65).

Campbell, who shared the lead with Montgomerie and England's Jonathon Lomas near the end of the round, seemed to have his composure spoiled by a rain break in play.

He dropped the first stroke in his round at the 17th before finishing with a birdie at 18 and tied with Lomas, at 11 under, after rounds of 70, 66, 69.

"I had lots of opportunities today but being one shot behind Monty after three rounds, it's going to be quite a challenge," Campbell said.

"I can feel the engine getting warmer and warmer. It's clocked a few miles now so it's getting better."

It took last summer's four-time Australasian Tour winner four holes before a first birdie and then another three for a second. But coming off a 10-week break, Campbell has looked stronger with each round he has played.

He birdied No 11 to move to 11 under and into a share of the lead, before over-hitting his tee shot at the par-four 17th and taking bogey.

"Today I played quite nicely," he said. "A lot better than I had played the last couple of days."

- NZPA