Golf: Alker comes into reckoning in China

Steve Alker of New Zealand in action during first round of the Volvo China Open. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand golfer Steve Alker is two strokes off the pace nearing the end of the second round of the China Open in Chengdu today.

Alker backed up his opening round 66 with a five-under par 67 today, an 11-under par total of 133 moving him into a share of eighth place with four other players as the second round draws to a close.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson has sole possession of the lead after a sizzling 11-under par 61 today took him to 13-under for the tournament, one shot ahead of a six-strong group which includes first round leader Keith Horne, of South Africa, at 12-under par. All of those players have finished their second rounds.

Alker carded six birdies and his first bogey of the tournament - at the par three 12th - as he chases he first European Tour victory.

Compatriot Danny Lee also enjoyed a good day on the Luxehills International Country Club layout, backing up his opening round 66 with a four-under par 68 to currently share 13th place with six other players at 10-under, three shots off the pace.

Lee was at one stage in a tie for the lead as he got to 11-under with a birdie at the par three 12th but a bogey on the par five 16th, the hole he eagled yesterday, saw him drop down the leaderboard.

Michael Campbell, who shot five-under 67 in the first round, made a superb start today and made the turn at nine-under, but a bogey and a double bogey on his inward nine saw him drop to six-under par and a share of 46th place.

Michael Hendry shot a 69 today and should receive a pay cheque on Sunday after two birdies in his final three holes propelled him to five-under par, which is the projected cut line with just a handful of golfers yet to complete their second rounds.

Michael Long shot 74 today to end on even-par and miss the weekend action while Gareth Paddison and Mark Brown signed for 72s to also miss the cut at two-over and four-over, respectively.

- NZPA