Donaldson holds precarious lead in China
BY Bruce Young | Asian Tour | 2011 Volvo China Open | Round Two | 23 Apr 2011
Welshman Jamie Donaldson holds a one shot lead over an eclectic group of seven players at the completion of the second round of the Volvo China Open at the Luxehills Golf Club in Chengdu in South Western China.
The 35 year old Donaldson has yet to win on the European Tour but just as he had done so at this time last year he is beginning to string a series of good tournament together. Donaldson finished 4th in this event last year, albeit at another venue, and could well be on track for a breakthrough victory. Donaldson has made his last twelve cuts on the European Tour.
His lead is a narrow one however with Denmark’s Jeppe Huldahl, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, South Africa’s Keith Horne, Ireland’s Peter Lawrie, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, Northern Ireland’s Gareth Maybin, Holland’s Robert Jan-Derksen and Frenchman Gregory Havret breathing right down Donaldson’s neck. Havret surprised the golfing world with his runner-up finish to Graeme McDowell at last year’s US Open Championship and this event is certainly a lot less demanding than last year’s event at Pebble Beach.
Donaldson put together a second round of 61 and even on a day of low scoring it was a round which was three better than any other on day two.
New Zealander Steve Alker has completed an amazing turnaround to be in a share of 9th position just two behind the leader. Alker has completed rounds of 66 and 67 to be at 11 under par and given what he has been through over the past two years it is a stunning reversal of form.
Alker has made only one five cuts anywhere since his win the Nationwide Tour’s New Zealand PGA Championship in 2009 but one of those came last week at another Nationwide Tour event , the Fresh Express Championship in California. He appears to have found something with his game.
Another player experiencing a return to form is Sergio Garcia who is also in the group at 11 under.
Aaron Townsend and Danny Lee are the next best of the Australasians in 14th position at 10 under and three behind Donaldson while Daniel Gaunt and Andre Stolz are in 30th position at 8 under.
