Asian stars stay in touch in Shanghai

2009/11/08

SHANGHAI: Asian Tour stalwarts Jyoti Randhawa and Lin Wen-Tang stayed in touch with the leaders at the WGC-HSBC Champions yesterday, but have their work cut out to get on the winners' podium.

India's Randhawa stroked his second consecutive 70 for a share of sixth with American Anthony Kim to be six behind leader Phil Mickelson, while Lin also hit a 70 to be a shot further back alongside Japan's Ryo Ishikawa.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is also still in the hunt another stroke adrift but after him the Asian challenge fizzles out.

India's Jeev Miklha Singh and Thailand's Chapchai Nirat are 13 off the lead while China No 1 Liang Wenchong is 16 behind.

Randhawa said his game was starting to click after months of struggling.

"I guess I came good at the right time," he said. "Any time you shoot under par on this course it's good because the way they tuck the pins, it's playing really tough."

Despite being seven behind Mickelson, Lin said anything could happen on the final day, but admitted his chances were slim.

"There are still 18 holes to go," he said. "Maybe a small chance. Phil is a very good player. I'll just go out there and try to do it." -- AFP