Golf

Campbell struggles but maintains lead

By wire services
Published December 10, 2005

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Michael Campbell hit a 5-iron into the hazard at No.18 and made double bogey, but those chasing him also stumbled.

That left him three ahead of Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke at the Target World Challenge, a 16-man event hosted by Tiger Woods.

Campbell, who shot even-72, was one of only four players who failed to break par. He was at 9-under 135 entering the weekend. Harrington (70) and Clarke (73) bogeyed the 18th hole.

Kenny Perry was the only player who appeared capable of running with Campbell until a bogey on the par-5 16th and double bogey on the final hole for 70. He was at 139 with Fred Couples, who had a bogey-free 68.

Woods butchered the par-5 11th for double bogey and couldn't get anything going in a round of 72. He stood nine shots behind and just two away from last place. He has won or finished second in his tournament every year since 2000.

LEXUS CUP: The international team won the final four foursomes matches for a 4-2 lead over Asia in the Ryder Cup-style event in Singapore. Aree and Naree Song earned one of Asia's two 5-and-4 wins, over Natalie Gulbis and Jill McGill. The international team got a win from Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer, the top two on the LPGA money list, 2 and 1 over Jeong Jang and Meena Lee. Today is six better-ball matches, and Sunday is 12 singles matches. The first team to 111/2 points wins.

AUSTRALIAN MASTERS: Nick O'Hern shot 6-under 66 for a five-stroke lead after two rounds in Melbourne. Defending champion Robert Allenby bogeyed the final hole for 68 and a tie for second with Bubba Watson (65).

DUNHILL CUP: Michiel Bothma played 25 holes despite the flu and led by one after two rounds in Nelspruit, South Africa. After rain suspended play Thursday, Bothma completed an 8-under 64 then shot 1-under 71 in the second round. Titch Moore (68), Louis Oosthuizen (67) and first-round leader Phillip Archer (70) were one back, and Ernie Els (67) was three back.

VOLVO MASTERS OF ASIA: Shiv Kapur, the first-round co-leader, overcame three bogies to shoot 5-under 67 for a one-stroke lead after two rounds in Bangkok, Thailand. Jyoti Randhawa shot 64 for second. Andrew Buckle, the other first-round leader, shot 71 and was four back.

[Last modified December 10, 2005, 00:52:07]