Golf: Hendry, Paddison lead Kiwi charge as Snedeker leads

Michael Hendry during the Mizuno Open at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club. Photo / Getty Images

Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison will lead the Kiwi charge from fourth-equal place heading into tomorrow's final round of the Fiji International at a blustery Natadola Bay.

Both golfers are on seven-under and well placed for a top finish but will realistically be playing for minor places as US Ryder Cup star Brandt Snedeker looks assured leading by three shots from second-placed Australian Anthony Houston and five ahead of the two Kiwis.

Paddison shot the lights out in round two with an eight-under 64 that not only brought him right back into tournament contention after an opening 76 but broke the course record.

He says his opening round deserved far better.

"I wasn't hitting it bad but I got unlucky in places and had a triple and a double. Take those away and there's five shots. This is a course that can easily grab you.

"It was quite a turnaround for me. My form has been close to being quite good but nothing has come to fruition. I have putted really solid but today I missed a couple of short ones towards the end which was really disappointing.

"It is just nice to be up there and playing some decent golf.

"I like to work hard and when you put your heart into something it is really difficult to accept.

"You sometimes do wonder whether you should be playing the game. I'm 36 now and all sorts of questions float through your mind so to come out here and play well and shoot a course record is really satisfying."

Brad Shilton (-3), Josh Geary (-1) and Ben Campbell (E) are the best placed of the other Kiwis with major thunder storms forecast for the late afternoon.

* Peter White travelled to Fiji courtesy of Fiji Airways.