Duo share lead at Hong Kong Open golf tournament

HONG KONG (AFP) –

Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain putts during the third day of the UBS Hong Kong Open, at the HK Golf Club, on November 17. Jimenez grabbed a share of Michael Campbell’s lead as play continued in the third round of the $2 million event.

Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez, bidding to become the oldest player to win on the European Tour, grabbed a share of the lead after the third round at the $2 million UBS Hong Kong Open on Saturday.

He was 10-under-par 200 for the tournament, level with the overnight leader, Michael Campbell. Matteo Manassero, winner of the Barclays Singapore Open last week and half Jimenez’s age, moved ominously into contention with six-under 64.

The Italian, 19, was joint third with China’s Zhang Lianwei, a shot behind the co-leaders. Next up, another shot adrift, was Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed. Peter Lawrie of Ireland and the Dane Anders Hansen were three off the leaders.

With world number one Rory McIlroy on the plane home after failing to make the cut, the 48-year-old Jimenez made his move on the Kiwi Campbell, who is hitting the kind of form that saw him lift the US Open in 2005.

Jimenez, who carded a 68, is chasing a hat-trick of titles at the Hong Kong Open, which is co-sanctioned between the European Tour and Asian Tour. He was also victorious at Fanling in 2004 and 2007.