Route 66 for Rose ... and Poulter’s on right track
JUSTIN ROSE believes a motivated Ian Poulter will be one of his biggest threats to claiming his eighth European Tour title in the UBS Hong Kong Open.
World No 7 Rose, the top-ranked player in the field, added a 66 to his opening 65 to claim the halfway lead on nine under par, one shot ahead of Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard, who carded a second consecutive 66.
However, Poulter is just two shots off the lead after also returning a 66 despite being withoutut his regular caddie and only arriving in Hong Kong at 7pm on Wednesday.
Poulter dropped out of the world’s top 50 last Sunday and was therefore ineligible for the upcoming WGCHSBC Champions event in Shanghai, meaning he would be unable to play the 13 events required for European Tour membership.
Only members can qualify for Europe’s Ryder Cup team and that meant the 39-year- old was forced into a frantic journey from Orlando to Hong Kong, via New York, but only after former US PGA champion Rich Beem generously agreed to give Poulter his tournament invite.
‘Poulter is a past champion and he’s on the leaderboard,’ Rose said. ‘ He’s always good when he’s got something to prove and he’s probably a dangerous guy now that he’s outside the top 50 in the world, and I know that he’ll be desperate to get back in it.
‘He always plays well when he has motivation, so he’s obviously going to be tough to beat.’
As for his own form, Rose carded five birdies and his first bogey of the week on the penultimate hole of his round before seeking treatment for a hip problem.
‘I felt like I struggled with the recovery overnight,’ added the former US Open champion, who played in the Frys.com Open in California last week. ‘I don’t know what it is. My left hip is really sore. ‘Obviously I’m in a wonderful position going into the weekend. This course gave me some trouble last time I played it, so it was nice to figure out more of a decent ggame plan, which has paid off so far.’
Poulter carded six birdies and two bogeys and insisted he was focused on more than just fulfilling his membership requirements as he looks to win the title for a second time. ‘ I don’t play to take part, I obviously play to win,’ said Poulter, who won the title in 2010. ‘ Even coming in as late as I did, focusing on shooting a good score was really key. And I know this golf course.
‘I’ve got good memories on this golf course. I know the place, I like it. And hopefully I can have a good weekend.’
Joint first- round leader Lu Wei-chih finished alongside Poulter on seven under. Matt Fitzpatrick and fellow Englishman Matt Ford were among a five-strong group on six under, with Graeme McDowell a shot further back.