Choi leads by one shot as Norman stays in the hunt
Friday, 18 Jul 2008 21:56
Greg Norman rolling back the years at Royal Birkdale
South Korean KJ Choi fired a second round 67 to snatch the lead at the Open from Greg Norman at Royal Birkdale today.
The 53-year-old Norman had carded a second consecutive 70 to lead the tournament on level-par. But Choi then came out and overcame difficult conditions to close with two birdies and finish on one-under-par.
Two-time Open champion Norman may be taking all the headlines, but the star of the show today was Colombian Camilo Villegas, who played superbly to card a round of 65. The 26-year-old finished with five straight birdies and improved by 11 shots from his first round effort.
First round leaders Graeme McDowell, Rocco Mediate and Robert Allenby all carded second round three-over-par 73 to finish on two-over-par and are in joint fourth place. They are joined at two-over by defending champion Padraig Harrington, who carded a round of 68.
Former Open champion David Duval, who has been on a wretched run of form which has seen him drop to 1087th in the world, made a welcome return to form as he carded a round of 69 to finish on two-over.
Ian Poulter is the highest placed Englishman after he hit a second round 71 to end on three-over-par.
World number two Phil Mickelson, who had a poor first round of 79, played much better today to card a 68 which saw him finish on seven-over. While two-time Open champion Ernie Els carded a round of 69 and just made the cut on nine-over.
Colin Montgomerie also just made the cut as his round of 75 saw him finish on eight-over, while Lee Westwood and Paul Casey will take part in the rest of the tournament as they finished the second round on nine-over. 