Monty back for German Masters

COLIN MONTGOMERIE has decided that he is fit enough to play in this week's Linde German Masters.

Not having struck a ball in competition since withdrawing from the NEC world championship in Seattle after 27 holes on August 23, Montgomerie waited until yesterday before deciding that his back is strong enough again for him to return.

His reappearance will be welcome news for Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance with the match against the Americans at The Belfry now only 18 days away.

Padraig Harrington plays in Cologne as well after being bothered by neck and ankle injuries since the end of July. The pair are also included in the field for next week's American Express world championship at Mount Juliet and, fortunately, have two tournaments to try to prove to themselves and Torrance that they will be able to play all five cup games if asked.

Montgomerie has been troubled by his back on and off all year - a year in which he has yet to win - and was described by former cup captain Seve Ballesteros on Saturday as ''a very important player'' as Europe try to win back the trophy.

Torrance still has some form worries, most notably over Lee Westwood, Jesper Parnevik, Paul McGinley and Phillip Price, and will be watching the return of Montgomerie and Harrington with keen interest as he finalises his thoughts on who partners whom in the fourballs and foursomes on the first two days.