Montgomerie takes heart from the Norman battle

At the age of 45, Montgomerie was becoming a fading force on the golf course, and it seemed like neither a career-defining major title nor a place in Europe's team to defend the Ryder Cup in Kentucky in September were within his grasp.

The Scot had even recently intimated he would pack away his clubs when he reached 52. But the winner of a record eight European Order of Merits admired the way 53-year-old Norman contended so defiantly during a storm-hit Championship here.

Montgomerie said: "It proves this game has longevity that other sports don't have. In other sports we'd be long gone. It proves if you keep yourself in shape like he's done, and are mentally aware, it's possible. He's got the shots, he's proved it over the years." Norman, the former world No1 and winner of two Open titles, was disappointed that despite starting the final round as leader he missed out on a fairytale victory and had to settle for a share of third place.

But he said: "A lot of people should take stock. No matter how old you are, if you really want to chase something, chase a dream, you can do it.

"Even though there's failure at the end of it for me, I still put myself in a position to really show a lot of other people that you can go and do something if you really want."

Montgomerie's share of 58th place in the Open leaves him 15th in the Ryder Cup European points list, and he will need to find form quickly if he is to make Nick Faldo's team either by right or as one of the captain's two picks.

Open winner Padraig Harrington, Ian Poulter in second place and Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who shared third with Norman, all now look assured of Cup calls.

But Justin Rose, leader of the European Ryder Cup table when he won the Volvo Masters in November, is down into the 10th and last automatic place after a dismal Open performance.

An 82 on Saturday, his worst-ever Open round, was followed by a 73 yesterday to leave the 27-year-old sharing 70th place on 21 over for the tournament.

If the reigning European No1 slips any further, his hopes of a Ryder Cup debut could rest on being one of Faldo's picks.

David Howell boosted his slim hopes of a third successive Ryder Cup with a rousing 67 in the final round to finish tied for seventh.

The 33-year-old, who has had to contend with a series of injuries, said: "I am greatly encouraged by finishing so strongly. On Thursday I said to my caddie 'what are we doing here?' I was playing so badly. But you don't give up in The Open.

"I've not written off my Ryder Cup hopes but I know I have to have a good result in the World Golf Championship in America in two weeks' time."