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Lyle reopens Montgomerie row with 'drama queen' remark

July 17, 2009 11:51 IST

Twice major winner Sandy Lyle has reopened his row with Colin Montgomerie by calling Europe's Ryder Cup captain a "drama queen".

Lyle apologised on Tuesday for saying in an interview with the Daily Mirror that his fellow Scot had "cheated" in a tournament in Indonesia four years ago.

Montgomerie responded by describing the apology as "strange".

After beginning his British Open campaign with a five-over-par 75 on Thursday, Lyle told BBC radio: "Colin is Colin. We do sometimes call him a bit of a drama queen.

"He keeps disappearing. I've tried to talk to him but I don't think he wants to talk to me right now. It's annoying how it's worked out but he should see that too.

"He's had many years' experience with the press and he should be a man about it, get together and sort it out over a few pints," added the former British Open and U.S. Masters winner.

Lyle was criticised by European Tour chief executive George O'Grady on Wednesday for his initial comments on Montgomerie.

During the 2005 Indonesian Open in Jakarta, television replays indicated Montgomerie had incorrectly replaced his ball after an overnight weather delay.

After seeing video footage of the episode, the eight-times European number one agreed he had made an innocent mistake and decided to give his $40,000 prize money to the Tsunami Appeal.

Patrick Johnston
Source: REUTERS
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