Winds batter British Open

2008-07-19 12:02

Southport - Strong winds greeted the early starters in the third round of the British Open on Saturday with KJ Choi and Greg Norman going out last in what looked set to be a fascinating day's play.

The US-based Korean, seeking to become the first Asian to win a major at the age of 37, held a one stroke lead at the halfway stage and was the only player under par.

The Australian, at 53 looking to become the oldest winner of The Open since Old Tom Morris in 1867 and the oldest ever winner of a major, was at even par after two battling rounds of 70.

Norman was refusing to get carried away with the acclaim that is surrounding his sudden return to the spotlight, but he did hint that if he can stick around on the leaderboard until late on Sunday afternoon, his vast wealth of experience would be a priceless advantage.

"My mind still salivates. I still cherish it, I relish it," he said of his attitude to competitive golf.

The stocky, steely-eyed Choi is one of golf's hardest workers slowly climbing the ladder since he decided to take his chances on the US PGA Tour in 2000.

He tied for eighth at Carnoustie last year and says that he has developed over the years a close affinity with links golf.

"I feel like when I stand on the tee box I can see everything," he said.

"It just comes well into my eye. It's very easy for me to set a target and just go with it."

Norman and Choi apart, Saturday held the prospect of several other top story-lines.

Alone at one-over, colourful 26-year-old Colombian heart-throb Camilio Villegas was bidding to become the first South American to win The Open since Roberto Di Vicenzo of Argentina at nearby Hoylake in 1967.

Villegas, who had the round of the tournament so far with a 65 on Friday, has caught the eye with his aggressive style of play and contortionist antics when lining up his putts leading to him being dubbed "Spiderman".

Yet to win a tournament in the United States and who only made it in to the tournament as a late replacement for the absent Kenny Perry, he has immediately falling in love with links golf.

"I love playing here. I love the different conditions, I love the different shots. I love the fact that you have to use your imagination and hit all those funky shots," he said.

Among those bunched on two over were defending champion Padraig Harrington who finished eagle-birdie on Friday, last week's Scottish Open winner Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and back-from-the-dead David Duval, the 2001 champion who has slumped to an abysmal 1087th ranking in the world.

Early out on Saturday and with a lot of catching up to do were 2002 champion Ernie Els who was 10 shots off the lead and world No.2 Phil Mickelson who was one shot better off.

Els though had played himself out of contention at four over through 10 holes as the high winds sent scores soaring. - Sapa-AFP

- SAPA