Today's other stories in brief

Langer soars

Bernhard Langer shot a stunning, 10-under-par 62 to race into the early lead in the Administaff Small Business Classic on the US Champions Tour in Texas.

Des Smyth, who started on the 10th, finished strongly, with three birdies on the front nine to reach three under.

Browne hits form

Stephen Browne added a 67 to his opening 69 to reach eight under and be leader in the clubhouse during the fog-disrupted second round of the doc Salbe European Challenge Tour event at Bad Waldsee, in Germany.

Boys back Monty

Sam Torrance has joined Bernard Gallacher in saying that Nick Faldo was wrong to voice displeasure with Colin Montgomerie.

Ryder Cup captain Faldo commented this week that Montgomerie's absence from three team meetings at the recent Seve Trophy in Ireland was "disappointing" and added: "Monty's a tough one. He was the only one whose emotions I had to deal with.

"He had to be teased out on to the 18th green to support his team. The bottom line was he hadn't won a point."

Torrance, who led Europe to victory at The Belfry in 2002, said: "If it is even remotely suggesting that Colin is not a team man it's outrageous. He gives his best - he was a great team man.

"I don't think you can criticise your players in public. You have to keep a nice bit of decorum.

"I am sure he (Faldo) will have learnt from this."

And on whether US captain Paul Azinger will be pleased by what is happening on this side of the Atlantic, he added: "It's always nice when you see the opposing team in a bit of turmoil, but there is a long way to go and it will all be smoothed out."

Gallacher, captain from 1991-95, also believes that with Montgomerie a possible member of next year's side Faldo should have kept his thoughts to himself and "saved them for his memoirs".

"I never felt Nick was a real team player, but I accepted it as a captain because he gave you points," Gallacher added. "He wasn't a player like Seve, who used to rule the team meetings, be out on course rooting for the players and would play with anybody the captain wanted him to play with.

"Nick always wanted to play with the best player."

Speaking up for Faldo was Dane Thomas Bjorn, who despite his row with Ian Woosnam before last year's match has just taken over as chairman of the European Tour's tournament committee which nominates each captain.

"I'll support Nick all the way - he's the captain, he's going to make the decisions, like it or not," said Bjorn at the Madrid Open.

"Monty and Faldo have done things their way in their whole career and they will sort it out in their way."

BBC keep Masters

The BBC have retained the broadcasting rights to the US Masters up to and including 2010 by securing a three-year extension to their contract with Augusta National.