Adam Scott and Ernie Els wilted in the hot and humid conditions on Thursday and will need to produce something special if they want to reel in Johnnie Walker Classic leader Brad Kennedy.
World number four Scott fired a three-over-par 74 to be nine off the pace while Els, the world number five, trails by eight after shooting 73.
But world number six Retief Goosen remains in the hunt, three adrift of Australia’s Kennedy, while 2003 US Masters champion Mike Weir of Canada surprised even himself with a 66 on his first visit to Asia.
Weir lags one off the lead, alongside Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher, England’s Graeme Storm and Swede Peter Hanson.
Like Scott and Els, fast-rising English star Paul Casey struggled with the elements, slugging his way round the Blue Canyon course in an even par 71, but evergreen Scot Colin Montgomerie remains in contention after a plucky 69.
Kennedy, who shares a coach with top women’s star Karrie Webb, mixed eight birdies with just one bogey in a near flawless 65.
”Probably the last time I felt like I had control of the golf ball like I did today [Thursday] was at the Singapore Open in November,” said Kennedy, who has had a poor start to his season.
”I didn’t hit too many rough shots. This golf course, you’ve really got to think your way through. It’s not a long hitter’s course by any means so if you hit the fairways you are always going to be in with a chance.”
Despite having his work cut out Els, who has had three top-five finishes this season, was far from disappointed with his game.
”I actually played well,” said the big South African, a two-time winner of the tournament. ”I had two double bogeys on easy holes. If it wasn’t for that, I would have had a pretty good round.”
Els slipped up on the seventh when he picked the wrong club and had a bad lie, and on the 16th when he pulled his tee shot into the trees.
”There is a lot of golf left,” he said. ”Obviously this is not the way you want to start but I made six birdies. I need a really low score somewhere along the line. Hopefully it can be on Friday.”
Scott, who has won on three of his last four visits to Asia, had a day to forget, summed up by missing a simple one-foot putt on the last hole for a birdie. He had three bogeys and a double bogey.
Weir, who adapted with ease to the tropical conditions despite being on the freezing ski slopes at his home in Utah just days ago, said he felt very comfortable with the weather and the course.
”I wouldn’t say I expected to shoot a 66, but I felt like I was going to play well,” said the Canadian, who is searching for his first tournament victory since the Nissan Open in 2004.
”I still feel like I can sharpen up a few things,” he added. ”The key to good scores is hitting the ball on the fairway and giving yourself opportunities, and that’s what I did today.”
Asian number one Jeev Milkha Singh hit a steady 67 to keep his tournament alive as he works towards his ultimate goal of the US Masters in April, where he will become the first player ever from India to tread the Augusta greens.
”My putting came good today. It’s been a while and I’ve been waiting for the putting to come back, so I’m very happy with that,” said Singh, who was playing with Monty and Scott.
”Playing well with the top players is a good experience and it gives me a lot of confidence.” — AFP
