Monty targets his rightful place

Colin Montgomerie knows exactly what he has to do today if he is to win his second Dubai Desert Classic title and reclaim a place in the world's top 50.

"I need a minimum 66 or 65, something like that, to have a chance," said the Scot, who was in buoyant mood after firing a six-under-par 66 to end the third day in third place, two shots behind Miguel Angel Jimenez and one off another former champion Ernie Els.

Montgomerie, champion here in 1997, did not make the best of starts, dropping a shot at the first with a wayward approach, but he was soon back in gear with birdies at the third, seventh and eighth.

And he continued his challenge with four more birdies on the back nine. Frustratingly, it could have been even better but for four narrowly missed putts on the last four holes, including an effort for eagle at the 18th.

"I had four glorious chances on the last four holes and not one went in," he mused. "That's golf I suppose. Two hit the lip and two were dead on line. Never mind."

Never mind? There was a time in the not too distant past when missed chances of that calibre, despite the overwhelming positives of the round, might have sent those nearest to Montgomerie scurrying for cover.

But it's a sign of the Ryder Cup hero's current state of inner peace and relaxed frame of mind after his very public recent problems that he really did mean it.

"I can't feel bad about that," he said, as if to dispel any hint of irony. "I hit the ball as fantastic as I have for the last two months since I went to the Target World Challenge. Four top 10s in a row and it seems that I might do the same tomorrow which is good.

"It's exciting for me to get back to a ranking where I truly believe I should be. It's not easy.

"It's very difficult to try and move yourself up bit by bit. It's a bit like eating an elephant. It's possible but you have to do it bite by bite, not all in one go."

When asked whether he was referring to the Asian or African variety, Montgomerie declared with the hint of a mischievous grin: "The bigger the better."

Earlier, the seven-time European No 1 had tellingly confessed that he spent much of last year "not really bothering".

"And this year I am, very very bothered. It's a whole different thing," he said.

Montgomerie dropped to 81 in the world rankings last year. And although he has surged back to 63 in 2005, he still needs to finish at least second here in Dubai to break into the top 50 and qualify for the PGA Tour's Players Championship in Florida later this month.

He admits it's a tall order, particularly with Jimenez and Els playing so well. "I've got to go out and start well," said Montgomerie. "It's a challenge and I'm looking forward to it."