Finland and Wales share early lead at World Cup
MISSION HILLS, China: Club professional Pasi Purhonen played the round of his life with five birdies and an eagle to hand Finland a share of the early lead with former winner Wales in the $5 million Omega World Cup yesterday.
Purhonen, who last played competitively on the European Tour in 2004, teamed up with his better-known countryman Mikko Ilonen for a nine-under-par 63 over the spectacular Olazabal layout at Mission Hills Golf Club.
Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge of Wales, who lifted the World Cup in 2005 in Portugal, joined Finland in the lead after a birdie-birdie finish.
The French combination of Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret were a shot behind the early leaders after a 64.
The 72-hole tournament, with two days of fourballs and two of alternate shot foursomes, features 28 nations with the England pairing of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter the hot favorite.
Finland, in the first group out, made a blistering start with two birdies and an eagle in the opening three holes, with 32-year-old Purhonen nailing a three wood at the 548-yard par-five third.
Purhonen produced a grandstand finish with two birdies on the last three holes, highlighted by a 25-foot putt at the 18th.
"It was a very special round of golf," said Purhonen, who coaches the Finland amateur team. "Mikko is the big name in the team so it was good to support him so well.
"I have not played too many tournaments in the last couple of years - the only time I play is when I am out with the amateurs (in the national team)."
Ilonen, who won the Indonesia Open in February, was full of praise for Purhonen after contributing three birdies in the better-ball, fourball session.
"I knew when I choose him as a partner he would do everything to be in shape for the tournament," he said. "And that is how it turned out. He played a lot of good shots today."
AFP
(China Daily 11/23/2007 page23)
