Open winner and Ryder Cup hopeful Shane Lowry yesterday cranked up the heat to close in on former champion Wade Ormsby at the Hong Kong Open.
Ormsby surged ahead in early play, carding a four-under 66 to go nine-under and stay top of the leaderboard at the historic Fanling course where he won his maiden European Tour event in 2017.
However, headliner Lowry went three shots better than his opening round, including two birdies on the final three, to end four off the top and set up the chase going into the weekend.
“I’m very pleased,” said the Irishman, who failed to make the cut when he last appeared at Fanling a decade ago.
“Wade’s nine now, if he has a really good weekend he might run away... but hopefully I can shoot two decent scores and give myself a chance on Sunday afternoon,” he added.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond — who also missed out on the cut in his last appearance — shot 66 to end three shots off the top.
“We’ll see,” he said, looking ahead to the final two days of the US$1 million tournament that is taking place six weeks late after being postponed due to pro-democracy protests. “This is new territory.”
India’s S.S.P Chawrasia carded a blistering 63 to surge up the leaderboard and end two shots behind Ormsby.
The four-time winner on the European Tour shot seven birdies on his way to setting the lowest round of the tournament so far — just two shots off the course record set by reigning champion Aaron Rai of England.
Compatriot Shiv Kapur finished six-under to sit in third place alongside Australian Fanling debutant Travis Smyth, Janewattananond and Thailand’s Charoenkul Gunn.
US world No. 16 Tony Finau started strongly after a lackluster first day, but shot three bogies over the round to card a one-under 69, seven points adrift.
That left “a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth,” said the American of Tongan-Samoan heritage, who was the first Polynesian to play in a Ryder Cup. “I’m going to have to play better on the weekend to chase the guys who are playing well.”
As well as light winds, Aussies Ormsby and Smyth battled to stay focused as devastating bushfires rage in their homeland.
Ormsby described the view from his airplane window on the way to Hong Kong as “just like a red dust storm.”
Smyth also has reason for distraction.
His sister’s boyfriend is a member of the special forces and was called up last week to help battle the blazes.
Along with fellow Aussie and 2014 champion Scott Hend, the youngster is to donate money to bushfire relief for every birdie he shoots, with the competition hosts announcing plans to match Hend’s contribution.
Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang carded a one-under 67 to take a share of seventh on a five-under 135 total, just four strokes behind Ormsby.
Lu Wei-chih and Hung Chien-yao were in a group sharing 55th on one-over 141 overall and Wang Wei-lun shared 76th on three-over 143.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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