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Michael Church

It just wouldn't be the Hong Kong Open without Miguel Angel Jimenez showing up near the top of the leaderboard.
The veteran Spaniard - a two-time winner of the event in the past six years - finally made his presence known yesterday with the day's best round to move into a tie for fourth. After modest scores of 68 and 69 in the opening two rounds, the flamboyant Jimenez fired a seven-under-par 63 to move to 10 under for the tournament.
Only leader Gregory Bourdy could match the 2004 and 2007 champion as he also shot a 63 to open up a lead of two shots over Robert-Jan Derksen.  
'The golf course is playing well, and if you play properly you're going to make a good score,' said Jimenez.
'There are only two par-fives, but if you play properly you will make birdies. The course is in great condition.' 
Few golfers in the field know the Fanling layout as well as Jimenez, and he used his knowledge to good effect yesterday, with his approach play particularly impressive. A string of perfectly placed iron shots into the greens - such as his approach to the 18th - left him with simple putts to pick up strokes.
'I love the golf course, you don't need to bang the ball to win a tournament or to do well,' he said. 'You need to focus on the tee, put the ball in play. You need to hit fades, you need to hit draws and play with the ball. I like the trees all over the place. You have to play golf.'
The rain at the end of the first day's play changed the complexion of the course, while the drop in temperature has also had an impact on proceedings. 
Jimenez, however, continues to like what he sees and is hoping for another big finish today. 
'It's softer, so the ball is running less, and that makes it a little longer,' he said of the course. 'Usually when you play here the ball runs a little bit longer, and you get some fliers, too. Many players know the course very well, but the advantage comes if you like where you are. I feel good on the course, and I hope tomorrow I can knock some putts in.'



Love affair with Fanling pays off for Spaniard