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London - Colin Montgomerie could miss the British Open for the first time in 22 years after finishing last in a qualifying event on Monday.
Montgomerie continued the poor form he showed at the Wales Open last week, shooting a combined 6-over 145 at the 36-hole event to finish 18 shots behind winner Graeme Storm at the Sunningdale Golf Club.
Storm had rounds of 65 on the Old Course and 62 on the New Course to finish three strokes ahead of Alexander Noren of Sweden, who followed up his victory at the Wales Open by booking a spot at Royal St. George's.
Australian Brett Rumford was extremely unlucky not to make the top 10, missing out to last qualifier George Coetzee due to the South African's lower score in the second round.
Rumford shot 67 and 66 to finish on 133 overall, while Coetzee was also on 133 but shot a 65 in the second round to take the last spot on offer.
Daniel Gaunt (138) and Matthew Zions (142) were other Australians taking part to miss out on an Open berth.
Montgomerie slumped to 15 over and last place at the Wales Open, missing the cut on the Celtic Manor course where he captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in October.
It was his worst halfway score on the European Tour since compiling 17 over at the 1991 Benson and Hedges International.
The Scot has played in 21 straight British Opens since making his debut in 1990.
He could still qualify for this year's event by finishing in the top five at either the French or Scottish Opens, and there are also two spots available through a mini-money list on the European Tour which continues at this week's Italian Open.
"It's disappointing, so I'll go to Italy and try again," Montgomerie said. "I will be trying everything, as always."
