Scott Hend holds firm as Adam Groom grabs share of Macau Open lead
"Catch me if you can" was the unspoken challenge from defending champion Scott Hend as he ruled the roost at lunchtime and Adam Groom responded to take a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the US$900,000 Venetian Macau Open on Friday.
The Australian pair were at 10-under-par 132 and held a one-shot lead over Martin Rominger, of Switzerland, with India's Anirban Lahiri, the overnight leader, and Taiwanese Chan Shih-ching two shots behind.
The tournament lost drawcard Miguel Angel Jimenez, who shot a disappointing 72 to miss the cut for the second successive week, following his shock early exit at the Hong Kong Open. But the other big name, Ernie Els, managed to hang on, despite carding a one-over 72 to be 10 shots off the pace.
It's nice to play solid in the first two rounds and not having to score some ridiculous scores on the weekend like I did last year winning the tournament
Hend's remarkable opening round of nine-under 62 could prove crucial, especially if conditions turn blustery at the Macau Golf and Country Club this weekend. His plan is to play conservatively in an attempt to go back-to-back after winning in Hong Kong last weekend.
"Today was just the trotting day, no galloping, just trotting," said Hend, who finished with a one-under 70. "That first round has put me in a strong position.
"It's nice to play solid in the first two rounds and not having to score some ridiculous scores on the weekend like I did last year winning the tournament."
