Saxon braced to charge

HAIYANG, Shandong province - Charlie Saxon is determined to keep "the pedal down" at this week's Qingdao Championship as he eyes greener pastures in the US.

Saxon lost his Web.com tour card last year after struggling for form following hip surgery, but the big-hitting American is now closing on a PGA Tour Series-China order of merit victory that would seal a return to the "path to the PGA Tour".

Saxon has earned 783,085 yuan (about $117,000) from seven events in China this year, including two wins, and is well clear of Hong Kong's Motin Yeung (436,675 yuan) at the top of the money list with four tournaments remaining.