Howell Leads by 2 Strokes in Munich

Saturday, September 2nd 2006, 1:46 pm

By: News On 6

MUNICH, Germany (AP) _ Defending champion David Howell shot a 6-under-par 66 despite a bogey on the last hole Saturday and led the BMW International Open by two strokes after three rounds.

Howell, a member of this year's European Ryder Cup team, was at 14-under 202 in the European tour event. He was followed at 204 by Padraig Harrington (64) and Colin Montgomerie (66), his Ryder Cup teammates, and second-round leader Martin Erlandsson (69).

Henrik Stenson, another Ryder Cup player, and Simon Kahn shot 66 to stand at 205.

``There is still a lot of work to be done,'' Howell said.

Montgomerie's 66 included a chip-in at the ninth.

``I'd like to win for my confidence going into the Ryder Cup,'' Montgomerie said. ``Whatever happens, I've got my game back in shape. I'm putting much better.''

The European Ryder Cup team will be finalized Sunday when captain Ian Woosnam names his two wild card selections, which are expected to be Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood. Also, Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal are expected to make the team.