Putting deserts young HK hopeful Hak

A day after holing five birdies in a flawless round, Jason Hak Shun-yat's putting deserted him yesterday as he struggled to a three-over-par 75 to virtually end his chances of a medal in the individual competition.

He shot the best second-round score, five-under-par 67, and began the day five shots off the pace, but could not conjure up that same magic, his putter turning from wand into broomstick at the Dragon Lake course in the penultimate round.

US-based Hak (pictured) stunned the game two years ago at the UBS Hong Kong Open when he became the youngest golfer, at 14, to make the cut in a European Tour event.

Brad Schadewitz, Hong Kong head coach, said yesterday: 'He didn't play badly, it was just that he didn't get any putts to fall. It will be tough now for Jason but he must go out there tomorrow hoping to accomplish small goals and see what happens.'

None of the other Hong Kong competitors fared better. Chan Chun-hung shot a five-over-par 77, Konstantin Liu Lok-tin scored 76 while Steven Lam Tsz-fung had a disastrous 12-over-par 84.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's hopes in the equestrian eventing look bleak after none of the four riders could lift their standing after the the cross-country stage. With only showjumping remaining today, the chances of a medal are out of the question.

Chan Sai-kin on Castell 4 had the best finish in cross-country when he completed the 2,950 metre course in five minutes and two seconds, just 38 seconds below the optimum time allowed. He was in 17th in the individual standings, led by Thailand's Ligon Nina riding Chai Thai.