Albatross puts Hend in contention at storm-hit Shenzhen golf event

Australian Scott Hend fired an albatross to catapult himself into contention at the Shenzhen International on Saturday when the second round resumed after long weather delays.

Thunderstorms at the Genzon Golf Club in southern China meant a loss of more than six-and-a-half hours of play over the first two days of the tournament.   

When play began on day three with 35 players yet to start their second round, the rain was still falling but there was little sign of the lightning that had affected the first two days.

Hend, winner of last month's True Thailand Classic, responded to the improved conditions with a seven-under-par 65, equalling the low round of the week with a rare combination of an eagle and an albatross.

"It's my sixth albatross, so it's always nice to make an albatross, especially in the tournament," the 46-year-old said in comments posted on the European Tour website.

Hend was tied fourth with England's Lee Slattery (66) on eight-under-par 136, five shots behind second-round leader Lee Soo-Min from South Korea.

Dutchman Joost Luiten was alone in second place on 134 after a second-round 66, one shot in front of Scotland's Richie Ramsey who also card a 66.

First-round co-leaders Alexander Levy of France and England's Tommy Fleetwood carded matching 72s to drop into a share of ninth place along with Spaniard Nacho Elvira (68).

American world number four and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson fired a 69 to go into a five-way tie for 16th place, nine shots behind the leader.
Source: AFP