Ryder Cup boost for Torrance

European captain Sam Torrance received a timely form and fitness boost ahead of next month's Ryder Cup, despite making an early exit from the German Masters.

The 49-year-old Scot, with withdrew before the tournament started with a back injury, took some comfort from the performance of his team members chasing the first prize, eight of the nine competing this week finishing under par and three shaking off injury worries

Colin Montgomerie felt no pain from the back injury that has plagued him all season as he fired a 71 on his return to action after a three-week lay-off, and Padraig Harrington was similarly happy with his recovery from an ankle problem after a 69.

Thomas Bjorn also shrugged off concern over the neck injury that saw him withdraw from Wednesday's pro-am after three holes as he stormed home in 29 to card a 67, and Lee Westwood was unlucky not to score better than 70.

Only Welshman Phillip Price was over par after a 73 that left him nine shots behind the leader Stephen Leaney, the Australian carding a superb 64 for a one-shot lead over European number one Retief Goosen.

Westwood, who has slumped to 133rd in the world rankings, picked up two birdies and an eagle but dropped a shot on the 17th after driving into the water and saw his birdie putt from six feet on the last slip agonisingly by. He finished on two under.

Wales' Mark Pilkington, playing in the final group, managed to claim a share of second place as darkness descended with birdies at four of his last six holes to card a 65.