Golf: Campbell remains in contention

Michael Campbell made a 10 foot putt for par at the last to claim a share of the lead with Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez heading into tonight's final round of the Hong Kong Open on the European Tour.

Campbell, who shot rounds of 67 and 64 to lead by one shot at the halfway stage, added a one under par 69 on moving day for a three round total of 10 under par with his old mate Jimenez.

The Kiwi, who has not won since he claimed the World Match Play title at Wentworth in 2005, is looking to win his ninth title on the European Tour after producing a remarkable comeback in form.

It was a sign of his confidence that he was not pleased with this third round effort.

"Today was sort of scrappy; apart from a couple of drives, it was pretty average really,'' Campbell told European Tour.com.

"But once again, I just managed to grind out a score, which is very important with me not playing so well. I turned a 73 into a 69, which is always nice.

"I've still got a chance to win tomorrow, and that's what I wanted to do after three rounds - give myself an opportunity to go out there and hopefully lift the UBS Hong Kong Open trophy.

"Once again Miguel is playing great golf, and he's won this twice before and he's the man to beat.

"It's going to be a very interesting day tomorrow and it's going to be I think a lot of fun; it will be nice to be a part of it.''

Jimenez has shown that age is no barrier to winning. He has claimed 11 of his 18 European Tour titles since turning 40, but the last of those was two years ago in Switzerland.

"I love to be in contention,'' said the Ryder Cup vice-captain. "It's been a long time since I've been there and I'm happy and I like this golf course.

"I like to be in contention on this golf course and you have to have patience and let everything happen. That's what's going to happen tomorrow, stay patient because anyone can win.''

China's Zhang came home in a one under 34 for a share of third nine under, while 19-year-old Matteo Manassero burst on to a leaderboard dominated by veterans all week with a brilliant inward 30.

The Italian, whose win at the Singapore Open last week made him the first teenager to win three European Tour titles, made a 15 foot eagle at the 13th and followed that with a hat-trick of birdies.

His 64 took him to nine under for the week and only one shot back from Jimenez and Campbell.

"I played well throughout the whole round,'' said Manassero, the European Tour's youngest winner.

"I had a really good practise yesterday and today I have to say, I struck the ball really well. I had plenty of chances, and on the back nine I really had some short putts for birdie and I made a few good ones.

"Last week really made me relax a lot on the golf course, and these three rounds and my position coming into this Sunday is certainly due to and what happened last week - I've got more freedom.''