DUBAI, 6 March 2005 — Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez will take a one-stroke lead into today’s climax to the Dubai Desert Classic with a posse of big names ready to pounce should he falter.
The 41-year-old Ryder Cup start, enjoying a purple patch that has lasted over a year, started yesterday’s third round two strokes clear of tournament favourite Ernie Els.
And by the end of the day he was still in front but only by one after carding a four-under 68 for a 16-under total of 200.
Els was second one stroke back after a 67, with Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie handily placed two-strokes further back after a battling 66, equal best of the day. Els survived a nightmare start when he four putted the first from 20 feet for a double bogey six and with seven birdies he hauled himself back into contention for his first tournament title of the year. Montgomerie was also on a mission here, but in his case it was to rack up as many ranking points as he can in order to break back into the world top 50 and qualify for the Tournament Players Championship and The Masters.
Masters Champ Mickelson Seizes Two-Shot Lead
In Miami, Florida, Masters champ Phil Mickelson fired a bogey-free six-under 66 to grab a two-shot lead after Friday’s second round of the $5.5 million Ford Championship.
American Billy Andrade also carded 66 to move into second place at 12-under, while two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal, of Spain, was three shots behind after a 69.
American Tiger Woods (70) and Fijian-Indian Vijay Singh (67) were among a large group five back on the leaderboard.
Modest Start for Sorenstam in Her LPGA Season Debut
In Mexico City, Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam opened her 2005 LPGA season by shooting a modest two-under 70 in the opening round of the $1.2 million Mexico City tournament on Friday.Sorenstam is tied for eighth with four others, four shots adrift of clubhouse leader Hee Won-Han of South Korea.
Friday’s play was halted because of darkness with two players still on the course. The four-time defending money list champion recorded three birdies after her only blemish — a bogey on the par-4 fourth hole — and is even with four other golfers, including Sweden’s Carin Koch (SWE) and Sae-Hee Son of South Korea.
