Zhang provides Chinese cheers at BMW Asian Open

SHANGHAI: Zhang Lianwei lifted Chinese hopes of a first home winner of the BMW Asian Open after a sensational birdie at the last propelled him into the joint halfway lead with Robert-Jan Derksen on Friday.

Zhang, 42, the grand master of Chinese golf, holed a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club to match the Dutchman's three-under-par 69 and two-day total of five-under-par 139.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke also carded a 69 to lie one off the pace while overnight leader Peter O'Malley of Australia scrambled to a 74 for a 141 and was tied with England's Miles Tunnicliff, who shot a 70.