Vijay Singh is No. 2 in the world golf ranking. Australian Gavin Coles is No. 388.
Going into today’s final round of the Houston Open in Humble, Texas, they’re dead even.
Singh, the defending champion, fought off windy conditions and a slow start Saturday, shooting a 2-under 70 to tie Coles (71) for the lead at 11-under 205.
“It’s awesome, mate,” Coles said. “I can’t imagine too many guys that wouldn’t want to be in my shoes tomorrow standing outside the ropes, that’s for sure. What better could it be, playing with the No. 2 player in the world?”
Singh, a nine-time winner last year, is seeking his third victory in four years in the event.
“I think he’ll be more concerned with me than me with him,” Singh said. “I think he’s a very experienced player himself. I mean, he’s not experienced on this tour much, but he’s been playing around the world for a while; I think he’ll do OK.”
Englishman Greg Owen faltered with bogeys on his last two holes to finish with a 70, leaving him a stroke back at 10-under. Brett Quigley (73) and Jose Maria Olazabal (70) were 9-under; John Daly (73) topped a three-man group at 8-under.
LPGA: Wendy Ward moved into contention for her second straight tour victory, shooting a 4-under 68 for a share of the third-round lead with Sweden’s Carin Koch in the Corona Morelia Championship in Morelia, Mexico.
Koch shot a 71 to match Ward at 8-under.
Champions Tour: Wayne Levi battled Tom Purtzer and a strong wind, and held on for a one-stroke lead after two rounds of the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Savannah, Ga.
European PGA: Australia’s Adam Scott took a six-stroke lead at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing, finishing off a second-round 6-under 66 and making five birdies in 11 holes in the suspended third round.
