Golf: Els closes in on title at storm-hit Asian Open

Ernie Els edged closer to the Asian Open title yesterday as he surged to 22-under-par but the world No 3 had to wait until today to finish the job.

Heavy storms halted play for over three hours yesterday morning before most players had even started the final round at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

Els picked up three more birdies over the six holes he managed to complete in fading light to stretch his lead over Britain's Simon Wakefield to eight strokes.

The South African is chasing his 21st title on the European Tour.

New Zealand's Eddie Lee continued to impress and was within striking range of a top-three finish ending the day tied for fifth place on 10-under-par after the seventh hole.

Compatriot Michael Campbell completed his tournament with a closing round 74 to finish even-par 288 in a tie for 46th place.

Wakefield, 14 under after six holes, can virtually secure his European Tour card for next year if he finishes second.

Denmark's Thomas Bjorn was third on 12 under with Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin a further shot behind in fourth, both players having completed seven holes.

The US$1.5 million ($2.08 million) tournament is jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.

Six-times major winner Nick Faldo suffered in the wet as he carded a closing 78 to finish on five over.

- REUTERS