Fancied Snedeker moves into contention in Fiji

SUVA (Fiji): Favourite Brandt Snedeker (pic) equalled the Natadola Bay course record to move into second place at the European Toursanctioned Fiji International.

The American shot a sevenunder 65 on Friday to finish the day one shot behind Australia’s Matthew Giles heading into the weekend.

The world number 23, fresh from helping the United States end an eightyear Ryder Cup drought, said his bogeyfree round put him in a good position.

“I told myself going out this morning fiveunder or better would put me right where I want to be,” he said.

“To go out and shoot seven, I know I don’t have the lead, I think I’m one back, but I’m comfortable where I am going into the weekend, there’s a lot of golf left.”

Hometown hero Vijay Singh ended the day 11th on the leaderboard after a disappointing threeover 75.

The threetime Major champion said he struggled in windy conditions.

“The first three holes were fine, then it started to blow,” he said.

“It was hard making putts, standing over short putts, it just becomes so difficult when conditions are like this.”

The US$1.1mil (RM5mil) tournament is cosanctioned by the Australasian PGA and, for the first time this year, and the European Tour.