THEY are the best of mates, but Wang Ter-chang and Hsieh Chin-sheng's friendship is likely to come under severe strain when the two Taiwanese pros lock horns in the climax of today's Perrier Hong Kong Golf Open.
Hsieh heads the field by one-stroke after a topsy-turvy, two-under-par 69 left him at 10 under for the tournament, while Wang is one stroke back on nine under par after a solid 68.
At one point yesterday, Hsieh had threatened to open up a daunting lead when he rattled in five birdies on the opening 12 holes to drop to 13 under. But, just as he did on Friday, he lost concentration on the run-in and three bogeys have given Wang and the rest of the field hope.
'I was thinking too much,' Hsieh said after his round.
Wang is hoping Hsieh's presence in the final flight today will inspire him to turn in a good performance. The last time the two players met in a similar situation was in the 1992 Philippine Open, when Wang won the title on a sudden-death play-off hole.
'When I play with him I play better. I hope I can tomorrow,' said Wang.