French rookie Michael Lorenzo-Vera shook off a poor night’s sleep and an attack of nerves to maintain a narrow one-shot lead at the China Open yesterday.
The 23-year-old battled to three-under 69 for a two-day total of eight-under 136, ahead of England’s Richard Finch and Ireland’s Damien McGrane in the US$2.2 million tri-sanctioned event.
England’s Oliver Wilson, who posted the day’s best score of 66, is a further shot back in fourth place, while Austria’s defending champion Markus Brier is tied for fifth.
PHOTO: AFP
“I always look super-relaxed, but the hands are always shaking. It took nine holes to get relaxed. Normally it takes three holes, but not today,” said the leader after his rollercoaster seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. “I suppose the weekend will be harder. Yesterday it was quite hard for me to get to sleep as I was thinking too much about what might happen. Maybe I will take pills to sleep.”
Finch, who won December’s New Zealand Open by three shots, was eyeing his second European title this season after another solid round.
“Yesterday I got off to a great start and that gave me a cushion to play well. I just have to stay patient now,” he said.
PHOTO: AFP
Home favorite and reigning Asian merit champion Liang Wenchong made up for his slow opening round 73 by reeling in six birdies against two bogeys to move five shots off the pace with a 68.
“I started really well with an opening birdie, followed by another on the third. In fact, most of the holes which I did not fare too well yesterday, I managed to improve on them today,” Liang said. “Obviously, tomorrow’s a very important day, not only for me but also for the others. I hope to improve on my scores. I think even if you are three or four strokes behind, it’s still possible to play catch-up. Anything can happen.”
Jason Knutzon of the US and England’s Zane Scotland and Simon Griffiths were level with Brier on 140, four off the lead at the par-72 Beijing CBD International Golf Course.
“This course can bite you any minute. You’ve got to keep trying as hard as you can. It is a difficult course,” Griffiths said.
“I didn’t really play exceptionally well, couple of good shots but difficult. It’s breezy and the greens are hard to read,” he said.
The cut was set at four-over par.
Also see: Three players share lead at the Heritage
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely