Wilson perfectly positioned to finally shed bridesmaid tag

The Olivers - Wilson and Fisher - want more. The English pair, seeking their maiden victories on the European Tour, are in a four-way tie for the lead as the UBS Hong Kong Open reached the halfway mark yesterday.

Luckless Ryder Cup ace Wilson has finished second eight times in his fledgling career. He found himself on familiar ground, perched deliciously in front of the field at the US$2.5 million tournament, and tied for first-place alongside compatriot Fisher, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen and Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, all on eight-under-par 132. The foursome hold a slender one-stroke lead over a gang of six, which included Scot Colin Montgomerie, who shot a 65 and was happy yesterday that Hong Kong is treating him so well.

Wilson, who figured in the losing European Ryder Cup team at Valhalla, has never tasted victory on the European Tour, which co-sanctions this tournament with its Asian counterpart. The longer it takes to win for the talented Wilson, the more exasperating it becomes.

'I think a lot of people focus on that [coming second]. It's important I don't,' said Wilson. 'I haven't won still, but I'm on track. I still see the whole picture.'

The canvas can be finally completed tomorrow. After consecutive rounds of four-under on the first two days, the 28-year-old Wilson is quietly confident of breaking his duck.

'I really wanted to come here, play well, and put in a good performance and obviously try to win,' said Wilson.