Monty earns goodwill of punters

Published on Wednesday 16 July 2008 22:48

BOOKMAKERS William Hill have taken money for Colin Montgomerie to win the Open, thanks to loyal fans who have once again backed him to win an elusive major, but his 100-1 quote is a reflection of what the bookies think his chances are.

Monty is 11-8 to miss the halfway cut tomorrow.

After another day of frantic betting on the Open Championship, Hills have revised their estimates of industry turnover upwards from 30million to 35million, with all the top 30 players in the betting being well supported.

The biggest loser for the bookies is Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who could be a million-pound skinner for punters who are backing anything Spanish this summer after the Euro 2008 win and Nadal's victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

British backers have high hopes of the first United Kingdom winner this century with Lee Westwood the best backed at 20-1 and Justin Rose at 33-1.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER BETTING 10-1 Garcia 14-1 Els 20-1 Westwood, Mickelson 25-1 Jimenez, Harrington Furyk, Ogilvy 33-1 Rose 35-1 Singh, Scott 40-1 Leonard, Karlsson, Goosen 45-1 McDowell 50-1 Romero 70-1 Casey 90-1 Poulter 100-1 Montgomerie, Boo Weekley.