I feel 10 years younger, says Montgomerie, 43

LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) Colin Montgomerie may appear to be approaching the twilight of his career at 43 but the eight-times European number one says he feels 10 years younger.

The big, burly Briton believes the light workload he has undertaken on the practice range during his time as a top professional has helped him feel as though he is now at the peak of his golfing powers.

''Due to the lack of practice over the years I am actually only 33 and I feel there are many more years left in me,'' Montgomerie told Sky Sports yesterday.

''I feel in a very fortunate position in that I honestly feel there is a lot of improvement left in me. I would not enter tournaments otherwise.'' Montgomerie launches his 2007 campaign in next week's Abu Dhabi Championship on a course he enjoys playing. The Ryder Cup stalwart played an important role in Europe's victory over the United States at the K Club in Ireland in September but otherwise endured a frustrating 2006, failing to win a tournament in a calendar year for the first time since 1992.

Montgomerie is going into the New Year feeling as fit as ever and hopeful of ending his major championship hoodoo.

''I've held my nerve firm throughout my career, that's not a problem, and I am fitter than I've ever been,'' he said.

''I look forward to winning again.'' Montgomerie, world number 17, has five times finished second in a major, experiencing his most recent and arguably most agonising near-miss at last year's US Open.

The Scot led on the 72nd tee at Winged Foot in June but a double-bogey at the last handed the title to Australian Geoff Ogilvy.

Reuters AY DB1112